My friend and I were rearranging the kitchen yesterday and concluded that it would look better if the microwave were placed on the opposite side of the room. Unfortunately, no adjacent plug-ins were discovered.
If I plug in an extension cord to my microwave, he said, I might be able to fix the issue. To be honest, I had to scratch my head at the thought of it, but I also felt a little apprehensive. Therefore, I decided to perform some independent investigation, and here is what I found.
Can You Plug An Extension Cord Into A Microwave?
Because of the risks of overheating and starting a fire, experts strongly advise against using an extension cord with a microwave.
However, if you find yourself in a bind and need to use one, keep in mind that extension cords must meet specific safety standards before they can be used. Three-wire grounding, adequate current support, a compatible electrical rating, and a secure placement are all necessities. The lights won’t dim as much, the fuses won’t blow, and the circuit breakers won’t trip if you do this. In addition, the microwave’s power supply must be adequately grounded and separate from any other appliances in the house.
Important safety considerations when plugging a microwave into an extension cord
Make sure that all of the plugs are securely plugged in.
The first thing you should do before plugging in your microwave and extension cord makes sure the plugs are securely in place. Verify that the cord is fully inserted into the wall outlet and is not dangling or being pulled. Also, ensure the microwave’s plug is fully inserted into the extension cord & that the two are securely fastened.
Make sure the extension cord satisfies all safety standards.
To avoid damaging your microwave or overloading the cord, only use an extension cord rated for the microwave’s wattage and can handle the power required. You need a cord that can handle the power and withstand the heat produced by its operation and any other stresses that may be placed on it.
Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions as needed.
One last thing to remember is to follow all microwave and extension cord safety precautions. It is your duty to keep the cord from getting wet, to prevent anyone from walking on it, and to prevent anything from being placed on top of it. When difficulties are detected, the microwave and extension cord should be unplugged immediately.
Verify the insulation’s condition regularly.
Furthermore, it is recommended that you routinely inspect the cord’s insulation. Powering a microwave plugged into an extension cord requires a substantial amount of current to go through the cord. The main downside of using an extension cord is this. The insulation on the cords may wear out due to repeated use. For such a small appliance, a microwave oven uses a surprising amount of electricity per hour—roughly 1200 watts. Regularly, you should check the condition of the cord.
Avoid overloading the electrical system.
Lastly, avoid overloading the circuit by plugging in too many devices. Your home’s electrical outlets were built to resist a particular level of force when in use. Some outlets are designed to shut off or “kick a breaker” if they are used to draw more electricity than they are rated for. Make sure the microwave is the only appliance plugged into the extension cord.
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Instructions on What Safe Microwave Extension Cord to Buy
One must think about the extension cord length required for the microwave.
The length of the extension cord is the primary factor to think about when plugging in a microwave. The hazard of electrical shock is increased if the incorrect cord is used, and the hazard of tripping is increased if the cord is either too long or too thick. Consider your length, and use the smallest cord that will still allow you to plug it in.
Think about how much current the microwave’s extension cord can safely handle.
Most household extension cords have a maximum power rating of around 1000W. Microwaves use about 1200 watts of power when running. If you have no choice but to utilize an extension cord, it is essential that you invest in one that can handle the additional electrical load imposed by the microwave. Find a heavy-duty cord that can handle the microwave’s wattage to ensure it gets the power it needs.
Just consider the high standards that were met in the quality of the microwave’s extension cord.
If you need to plug your microwave into an extension cord, get one with the right gauge and the proper cord. A cord with a gauge of 10 or higher is recommended for use with your microwave. The smaller the risk of overheating or a short circuit, the more electrical load the cord can carry, and the higher the gauge.
Consider the microwave’s extension cord plug and how it is shaped.
The efficiency of the extension cord may also be affected by the plug’s design. Because the grounding connection is established via the third prong, a three-pronged cord is required. In the event of a malfunction, it will instantly shut off, preventing a disastrous situation.
Now consider the cost of purchasing an extension cord for the microwave.
A further indicator of the item’s quality is how much it costs to make the cord. The higher the price of an extension cord, the more probable it is that it is made from high-quality materials, indicating that it will be stronger and safer. Suppose you are unsure whether or not a particular brand or type of cord is suitable for your purposes. In that case, it is in your best interest to learn as much as possible about the reliability of the brands in question and the general quality of the materials being used in the manufacturing process.
You should consider the wire gauge if you have a microwave and an extension cord.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the wire’s gauge size. To ensure the highest level of safety, the wire gauge must be as large as possible when connecting appliances that require a lot of electricity to operate, such as a microwave.
When shopping for an electrical cord, keep in mind that the thicker the gauge of the wire, the less likely it is to overheat, short out, or start a fire.
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Possible Dangers of Using an Extension Cord With A Microwave
An overloaded circuit can be caused by many appliances plugged into a single socket. Checking the power strip’s temperature to see if it’s being overworked is a simple and quick method. Plugging too many devices into a single power source will make things worse.
You risk an unpleasant power surge by using the kitchen, which is also the home’s power hub and contains many high-capacity appliances.
Does the microwave require a specific kind of outlet to operate?
Certainly not in every case. Because it is possible for a microwave oven to have a high-wattage motor, the appliance requires a specific type of outlet. If we plug it into an extension cord, there is a risk that the cord could overheat, which could result in a fire. Always ensure that your microwave is plugged into a circuit with 120/125 volts and a dedicated 20 amp since this will ensure the highest level of safety.
Do microwaves need their separate circuit to operate?
In some locations, the electrical code mandates that a microwave be connected to a separate circuit from the rest of the house. This is because microwaves consume a significant amount of power and might cause the circuit breaker to trip if connected to an outlet alongside other electronic equipment.
Since microwaves can consume a significant amount of electricity (up to 1500 watts), they must have their own dedicated electrical outlet. When you plug your microwave into an extension cord or power strip, you need to exercise caution and keep a close eye on it because doing so could cause the circuit to get overloaded.
To operate without risk, microwave ovens require a dedicated circuit with a capacity of 20 amps. If the microwave is connected to an extension cord, it may not be allowed unless it also has a rating of 20 amps for its maximum current capacity.
Consult with an expert if we are unsure whether or not we can plug our microwave into an outlet because it is in your best interest to do so.
Can a microwave that uses an extension cord share an outlet with another electrical appliance?
You shouldn’t plug your microwave into an extension cord, even if you can. If you do this, ensure the microwave’s wattage consumption doesn’t exceed the extension cord’s capacity. As crucial as it is to ensure the microwave is working properly, it is also essential to ensure that any other devices do not use the electrical outlet into which it is plugged.
Does it make a difference which outlet you use to plug in a microwave?
To use a microwave, you can plug it into any outlet so long as it can handle the appliance’s wattage requirements. There shouldn’t be any problems with the microwave’s functionality or performance. The microwave must be plugged into a 120-volt, three-pronged, grounded outlet. You won’t get shocked if there’s an electrical fault, but it’s only if the appliance has a third prong that allows it to be grounded. Any microwave that meets these requirements can be used with any electrical socket.