Does a high-voltage appliance plugged into an lower-voltage extension cord cause it to draw more electricity?
I am already going to change the extension cord because now I know about the fire risk. My landlord claims that the lower-voltage extension cord caused the refrigerator to use more electricity, because of its lesser capacity (like a dribble of electricity instead of a steady stream). I don’t think this is right. It seems to me that the refrigerator would simply "run" a bit longer to compensate, but not that it would consume more electricity in total.
I would appreciate any ideas or information you could give me . . .
PLEASE NOTE: i am ALREADY aware of the fire risk, and will be getting a new extension cord. PLEASE just answer the question (and thank you for your time in doing so!)
no, it does NOT draw more. an appliance only wants 120 volts. but the smaller cord will not be able to withstand the amperage or current draw, not deliver 120 volts, and possibly break down. this strains the appliance and could burn up a compressor.
get an appliance rated extension cord and that problem will go away. Using an el cheapo dollar store cord is not good for any appliance.
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Actually, your landlord is correct. Without going into technical terms, using a low amperage cord will cause it to heat up. If you have heat, you are using more electricity. Another way of putting it is voltage drops, and amperage goes up. Of course, if there is too much heat, that’s when the insulation burns off and causes the fire.
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I did exactly the SAME THING, with my refrig!
Result: the Refrigerator stopped running (what hapens is the Frig struggles to pull the power it need thru a cord that can’t carry it/supply it fast enough! so the fan in the freezer section burned out!
Tech said could have been worse: could have caused a fire!
Oh yes, the cord was ruined (was getting too hot, & the strain wore out the wires!
Always get a cord matching the volts/amps , PLUS take into acct. the length of distance from wall to appliance (more distance, thicker the extension wires needed!)
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no, it does NOT draw more. an appliance only wants 120 volts. but the smaller cord will not be able to withstand the amperage or current draw, not deliver 120 volts, and possibly break down. this strains the appliance and could burn up a compressor.
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poob
no, the current stays the same regargless of what size the wire is
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electrician
YES
I don’t understand the thumbs down for bare b and starlet, ,someone explain this for me..
My power company sells me electricity in kilowatt hours,, not volts
Yes the hotter the wire, the more it is going to cost,, ,and more amps in the wire makes it hotter
Something to do with ohms law and resistance
Bare b had the first correct answer,,he should get the 10
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yes it causes heat which draws more amperage and can cause a fire pretty quick
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Two Words.
FIRE HAZARD!
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No. It uses less but doesn’t work as efficiently. It is very good and important that you are getting a new cord. Good for you.
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