Using Extension Cord with Chest Freezer

I wasn't for sure where to post this, but figured this was probably the best spot.

I recently bought a 5.0 Cu Ft Chest Freezer. We're going to keep it in the garage, but the only spot it fits in the freezer is too far from the outlet for the cord to reach. So I figure I could just get an extension cord, but I want to be sure I get a good one and fix it up right.

If I got a 14 gauge appliance/Air Cond extension cord, and some wiremold to conceal and protect the extension cord, would that be sufficient and safe? I obviously don't want to risk an electrical fire.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

Personally I like 12 gauge cords they are alittle more but they dont drop as much

 

Get the heaviest cord you can afford in the length required

 

The manual should say how it recommends connecting it. I looked up an example one from GE and it said they don't recommend extension cords, but if you must, use one rated for 15 amps. A short 14 ga. cord would probably work fine, but like stated before thicker is better.

 

I'm kind of clueless when it comes to this stuff.... bigger meaning a number <14 means larger, right? or is that backwards?

It's a GE freezer, but I figured because it's so small, it wouldn't have THAT much pull.

I'm going to try to go to Lowe's this afternoon and pick up the supplies I need.

 

Lower the number, thicker the cord. I don't know if I've seen anything thicker than 12 gauge extension cord before. I got a 100' 12 gauge off Amazon for my electric edger, think it was about $50. You could probably snag a short 12 gauge wire from lowes or home depot for fairly cheap.

 

Gauge and Length
If an extension cord doesn't include a maximum amperage rating, you can figure out its capacity by looking at its American Wire Gauge (AWG) rating:

Wire gauge is a measure of the diameter of the conducting wires inside the cord.

Wires with a larger diameter can handle greater current.

Lower AWG number indicate a thicker wire and a higher current capacity, so the lower the number, the higher the cord's capacity to deliver power.

Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire, and has three conductions inside.

Typically, you can find a cord's gauge rating printed on the cord jacket. If you're replacing an old cord, look for the AWG number printed on the jacket, and select a new cord with the same gauge.

More info: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Extension_Cords_Reels

 

I found on their website a 9 ft 12g extension cord:

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Would this be a good one?

 

How many amps does a freezer pull? I would think initial freezing cycle getting the freezer cold would pull more than once it reaches temperature and begins its on/off cycles

 

from manual

Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against
the use of an extension cord.
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in the United
States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding​

type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.


-- SO, The one I posted above has a max amps rating of 20.0 but doesn't mention volts on the lowe's website...

 

The shorter the cord the less resistance so if a 9' cord works it is way better than a 25 ' cord of the same guage.
The 9'er should be fine.

 

Is wiremold worth it? I mean, as long as I keep an eye on the cord and watch to make sure its not deteriorating, it'd be okay without it right? Or would you guys recommend going ahead and getting some?

 

I just bought a 100' , 10/3 exterior grade cord

 

Okay, I just realized the above 9' cord had the wrong plug on the end...

I was just at lowes on my lunch break, it looks like it's either a 12g 15 ft or a 14g 12 ft.

Would there be a big difference between the two? I know that both length and diameter matter.

 

The 12 ga. is the better pick.

 

Even if both are rated at 15 amp?

 

The bigger the guage (Smaller the number) is better than having too small of a cord and causing the cord to overheat or cause damage to the appliance.

If your length is less than 9ft which it sounds like based on your suggestion above, you should be able to get an appliance grade extension cord in that length.

 

Haha I made my own as well for my 220V mig welder in my garage. Went from a 5ft lead to a 20ft lead so I can weld outside in the driveway.

 

I'm between a 14g 12ft or a 12g 15ft.