Is It Safe To Plug An Air Conditioner Into A Power Strip Or Extension Cord?

As heatwaves continue to break all-time records, staying indoors with an air conditioner becomes one of modern life's greatest blessings. However, that blessing might quickly turn into a nightmare if you decide to plug your air conditioner into the wrong power outlet. There are many reasons why you might be tempted to connect your air conditioner to an available power strip or extension cord, but this is something you should reconsider, as it can be incredibly unsafe.

No matter the air conditioner brand you have, a common portable AC unit can consume the equivalent of 290 LED light bulbs operating at the same time every single hour. That's a minimum of 2900 watts per hour. Unfortunately, most power strips and extension cords are not built to withstand that kind of load. In a best-case scenario, the cords would melt, and your power strip would stop functioning. That scenario, however, becomes much worse with an overloaded, overheated cord. The fluctuation of electrical load will not only damage your AC unit, but also cause the cord to ignite, leading to an electrical fire.

With a maximum capacity of 1800 to 2400 watts, most standard power strips are designed to handle multiple small current devices at the same time, like phone chargers and lamps. Most air conditioning units, however, don't fall under that category. That's why it's best to pick a spot in your home to install an AC unit where there's an available wall outlet. When that isn't possible, there are a number of things to consider to ensure the safety of your air conditioner and protect yourself and your family against fire hazards.

The first thing you need to know is that if you have to use a power strip or extension cord, it must be a heavy-duty cord rated for the specific power your air conditioning unit needs. For example, an extension cord that is rated 15 Amps, around 1800 watts, can only be used with an AC unit that requires less power than that. The cord also has to be UL 1449 certified and clearly labeled as safe for air conditioners. Another thing to keep in mind is that, even if you're good at math and can calculate the total power draw, you should always avoid plugging other devices into the power strip or extension cord along with your AC, as it can easily overload your circuit. To protect your air conditioner from fluctuation in electrical currents, you can use a whole-home surge protector installed at the main panel, or an AC-rated smart surge protector. You should also follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific brand you choose to buy.