Using an extension cord while you’re vacuuming your house will help you a lot by providing extra length when the main cable falls short. It may seem like a great way to save time and effort, but is it actually safe?
It is safe to plug a vacuum into an extension cord as long as it has the capacity of 13 amps or more, considering a vacuum cleaner requires 10 amps of electricity. Most medium-duty extension cords are rated at 13 amps so, it can easily carry the maximum electricity that your vacuum cleaner needs to run properly.
In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers of using an extension cord with a vacuum and offer some tips on choosing the right cord for the job.
Is It OK To Use An Extension Cord With a Vacuum Cleaner?
It is okay to use an extension cord with a vacuum cleaner if it requires 10 amps of electricity.
Here are the top three reasons why plugging your vacuum cleaner into an extension cord is Okay:
1. Vacuum Cleaners Are Moderately Power Hungry
Most vacuum cleaner motors run with 10 amps of electricity.
So, we can say, vacuum cleaners are moderately power-hungry, and most extension cords can run regular vacuum cleaners without any issues.
However, a low-grade extension cord might not be able to run vacuum cleaners properly or handle that kind of power draw. This means that a low-duty extension cord could overheat, potentially causing a fire.
As most extension cords in the market are medium to high duty, they can handle vacuum cleaners pretty well.
2. Most External Cords Are Capable Enough:
As I have said earlier, most extension cords can handle vacuum cleaners.
These days, regular external cords have a capacity to deliver 13 amps or more electricity, which is enough for usual household vacuum cleaners.
However, don’t use power strips. Power strips allow you to connect multiple electric appliances with the power source. If you plug a vacuum cleaner along with other things, the cord can catch fire. So, be careful about that.
Is It Possible to Use a Vacuum Cleaner While It’s Plugged into an Extension Cord?
It is possible to use a vacuum cleaner while it’s plugged into an extension cord, as sometimes you might need to use the vacuum cleaner throughout your whole surface, which could require an extension cord.
If you are going to use an extension cord, it is best to use medium-duty one as most medium-duty extension cord offers at least 13 amps of electrical power which is quite sufficient for modern vacuum cleaners.
It is also a good idea to use a lighted extension cord. Lighted cords have a little light that turns on when they are plugged in. If the light is not on, it means that the cord is not plugged in.
As you can see, there are a lot of things that you need to consider when you are trying to figure out whether it is safe to plug in your vacuum cleaner to an extension cord or not.
If you are still unsure, it is always a good idea to check with your vacuum cleaner manufacturer. They will be able to tell you whether it is safe to plug in your vacuum cleaner to an extension cord.
What Gauge Extension Cord Do I Need For A Vacuum?
A 14 gauge medium-duty extension cord is sufficient enough to carry 13 – 15 amps of electricity. So, you will need a medium-duty extension cord for your vacuum cleaner.
Vacuuming for longer periods with the help of a long extension cord is not ideal. Try to use one with a shorter extension and plug it in the socket that’s nearby.
What Should Not Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord?
Plugging a large appliance, such as a refrigerator, into an extension cord is not recommended. This could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire.
You should never plug any high-capacity appliances into the extension cord. Try to avoid any kind of appliance that will cause the cord to heat up.
Here’s a list of things that you should not plug into an extension cord:
- Refrigerators
- Space heaters
- Washing machines and dryers
- Coffee makers
- Portable air conditioners
- Toasters
- Microwave ovens
Basically, anything that uses a lot of power and generates heat should not be plugged into an extension cord.
Best Extension Cords For Vacuum Cleaners
If you’re using an extension cord for a high-power-consuming task such as vacuuming, you have to ensure that the cord is properly rated.
A good rule of thumb is to get an extension cord that is at least 14 gauge. This will ensure that the cord can handle the power demand of the vacuum cleaner.
Here are our top three picks that we feel are the best extension cords in the market for vacuum cleaning:
1. UltraPro 15 Ft Extension Cord
This is a 15 ft extension cord that is made of 12 gauge wire. It is rated for 15 amps and has a maximum voltage of 125 volts. This cord is also UL listed, meaning that it has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories.
2. Cable Matters 16 AWG Heavy Duty Extension Cord
This is a 16 gauge extension cord that is 10 feet long. It is rated for 15 amps and has a maximum voltage of 125 volts. This cord is also UL listed.
3. GE 10 Ft Extension Cord
This is a 10 ft extension cord that is made of 14 gauge wire. It is rated for 13 amps and has a maximum voltage of 125 volts. This cord is also UL listed.
Related Questions:
Can You Plug A Vacuum Into a Surge Protector?
Yes, you can plug a vacuum into any kind of socket that is compatible, and that includes surge protectors.
So, if you are wondering whether you can plug a vacuum into a surge protector, the answer is, without a double, yes.
Can I Use An Extension Cord For Dyson Vacuum Cleaner?
Yes. You just have to make sure that the extension cord is compatible with the model of the vacuum and the required voltage. You will find all the information in the manual of the vacuum.
Also, make sure the extension cord, as well as the vacuum, are both plugged in properly.
How Long Is The Power Cord On a Dyson?
A typical Dyson power cord is around 12 ft. in size.
Final Thoughts:
That marks the end of our discussion about whether it is safe to plug in your vacuum cleaner to an extension cord or not. Hopefully, we were able to answer all your questions and help you get a clear idea about the matter.
If you ask for our opinion, we would suggest you try to avoid using an extension cord for this task. But, if you really need to do that, you can use one of the extension cords that we have listed above.
