What does an extension cord for a dryer look like? Better yet, does it make sense to plug a dryer into an extension cord? People do it all the time without stopping to question whether or not it is safe.
Can I Use An Extension Cord For A Dryer?
You can use an extension cord for the dryer if you can find the right extension cord. If you want to safely operate a dryer, you need the highest possible gauge. You can use a 12AWG 16Amp extension cord with a wattage rating of 1,920 to operate a dryer.
However, most manufacturers discourage consumers from connecting their dryers to extension cords. They want dryers to plug directly into a wall outlet or a specialized receptacle.
But that is primarily because they don’t want consumers to hold them liable for any accidents that may occur if the extension cord malfunctions.
Extension cords start fires all the time. Such occurrences are more likely to happen in situations that involve heavy-duty appliances like dryers. This is why you are better off avoiding extension cords.
It is worth noting that some dryers will not permit you to connect them to an extension cord. They have plugs with special configurations that require receptacles with a similar setup.
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Is It Safe To Plug A Dryer Into An Extension Cord?
It is not safe. Dryers draw a lot of electricity. If your extension cord is too long, and if the wires are too thin, the extension cord will overheat. The plastic components will melt. You could start a fire.
This is true for any appliance that is designed to generate heat. A gas dryer is less dangerous because it doesn’t draw as much electrical current. An all-electric dryer will most likely overwhelm your extension cord.
That doesn’t mean that you cannot plug an electric dryer into an extension cord. People run electric dryers on extension cords all the time. But it is still dangerous. You need a very large cord to mitigate the risks.
What Gauge Extension Cord Is Best For Dryers?
Where the gauge is concerned, the smaller the number, the greater the gauge, the thicker the wire. If you want to safely operate a dryer, you need the highest possible gauge. You can use a 12AWG 16Amp extension cord with a wattage rating of 1,920.
An extension cord that strong can probably withstand the strain exerted by a conventional dryer that requires 1800W. Though, to be safe, you might be better off getting a 10AWG extension cord.
How Long Can A Dryer Extension Cord Be?
An extension cord for the dryer should be 4 feet. At the very least, it is within the range of a standard dryer cord’s length.
Most dryer power cords have a standard length of 6 feet. Therefore, four feet is appropriate.
What Volt Extension Cord Do I Need For A Dryer?
With dryers, you should aim for heavy-duty cords with a gauge of 12/3 and 15A. You also have the option of buying a 10 AWG 15A extension cord. The more powerful the dryer, the greater the wattage rating required.
The length of a cord will affect the amount of electricity it can carry. For instance, a 50-foot 16AWG extension cord has a wattage rating of 1625. In other words, you can use it to operate 1625 watt appliances.
If you increase the length of that same cord, the wattage rating will drop to 1250W because the cord cannot carry as much electrical current. This is why the gauge matters.
If you increase the length, you must also increase the gauge.
When Should I Use An Extension Cord For A Dryer?
People use extension cords because their dryer is too far from the nearest outlet. They use extension cords to bridge the gap. However, you should never use a dryer extension cord. There is no right time to use one.
If the nearest outlet is too far for your dryer’s power cord to reach, you should take that as a sign that you need more outlets in the room where your dryer is located.
Better yet, call an electrician and ask them to install a new outlet near the dryer.
5 Best Extension Cord For Dryer
If you want to run your dryer without starting a fire, you need an extension cord that is strong enough to safely carry all the current that a dryer uses. Some suitable options include:
1). AC Works Dryer Extension
This is a NEMA 10-30 30A three-prong super heavy-duty extension cord. It has a flexible jacket that allows the cord to coil and extend with relative ease.
Boasting a voltage rating of 250V and a wattage of 7500W, the extension cord weighs 6.91 pounds. It is so powerful that it can perform level 2 EV charging.
2). Iron Forge Cable 6FT Extension Cord
This product has an SRDT covering that keeps moisture out. You can also trust the thermoplastic insulation to protect against overheating. The right-angle plug has a space-saving design that allows consumers to connect it to wall outlets in tight spaces.
This is a 10 gauge, 125/20v, NEMA 14-13, 30 Amp item with a wattage rating of 3750W. It is strong enough to accommodate the needs of a conventional dryer.
3). Rophor Extension Cord
This is a 125V 30A extension cord that consumers can use to operate 220V appliances. Besides dryers, it will charge your electrical vehicle.
The 10AWG cord has four conductors and heat-proof insulation. The NEMA 14-30 plug is resistant to oil, moisture, and abrasion. The wattage is 7500W.
4). Circle Cord 10FT Extension Cord
This is a 125/250v, NEMA 14-30P (male plug), NEMA 14-30R (female plug), 30A, 7500W extension cord that features copper wires protected by a jacket that is resistant to heat, fire, UV, PVC, and the elements. It comes with a cord organizer and a bag.
5). RVMATE 4 Prong Extension Cord
This is a 10 foot, 125V, 30A, 7500W four-prong extension cord with a NEMA 14-30 plug. The 10AWG cord has an STW jacket that is resistant to moisture and abrasion. The jacket is flexible. The wires on the inside are pure copper. You can use the extension cord to operate your dryer knowing full well that it has ETL approval.
Can You Use An Extension Cord/Power Strip For A Clothes Dryer?
A clothes dryer uses 1800 to 5000 watts. If you can find an extension cord with similar specs, you can use it to operate the dryer.
Professional electricians discourage the practice because the dryer uses so much current, the extension cord could overheat, starting a fire.
Can You Use An Extension Cord/Power Strip For A Hair Dryer?
You can plug a hairdryer into an extension cord or power strip. Hairdryers are powerful but not as dangerous as clothes dryers. If you have a decent extension cord whose rating matches the wattage of the hairdryer, you should be fine. Most hairdryers fall somewhere between 1500 and 1800W.
Is It Safe?
Using an extension cord or power strip to operate any device that is designed to generate heat is risky. But unless it is very powerful, the average hairdryer should be fine if you use an extension cord with a strong gauge.
The thing with hairdryers is that they do not stay on for long, so they are less likely to result in overheating.
Can You Use An Extension Cord/Power Strip With A Gas Dryer?
You can use an extension cord because a gas dryer does not use as much power as its all-electric counterpart.
Is It Safe?
The use of extension cords is associated with a certain amount of danger. That is especially true when the appliances you want to use consume a lot of electricity.
But gas dryers are much safer than all-electric dryers. You don’t have as much to worry about where extension cords are concerned.
Can You Use An Extension Cord/Power Strip With A Tumble Dryer?
You can use an extension cord or power strip to run a tumble dryer. But you need a strong extension cord whose gauge and wattage rating match the needs of the tumble dryer.
Is It Safe?
It is only safe if you have the right extension cord. A long extension cord with thin wires is more likely to overheat. You need a short, thick cord.
Can You Use An Extension Cord/Power Strip With A Blow Dryer?
You can use an extension cord or power strip to run a blow dryer. If you have a heavy-duty 16 gauge 10-foot extension cord, you will be fine.
Can You Plug A Washer and Dryer Into An Extension Cord?
It is not ideal. Washers and dryers are power-hungry appliances. But again, it comes down to the strength of the extension cord. If you have a thick extension cord with a decent gauge, it will meet the demands of the washer and dryer.
Is It Safe?
Many professional electricians argue that it is not safe because washers and dryers can start fires if you connect them to long extension cords with thin wires. But that is less likely to happen with a short heavy-duty extension cord.