My cord is too short, can I use an extension cord?

';	The concern is that an undersized or unsafe type of insulation found with most general purpose extension cords is unsafe and…. © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Electrical Question from Ian about Electrical Safety
[ad#block]Question: I’ve seen various places online that state you should not use an extension cord with a washing machine. I’ve also seen others that say you can. Which is accurate? My cord is about a foot short of my outlet and I want to use a heavy duty cord to connect it. Is this safe?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Ian. The concern is that an undersized or unsafe type of insulation found with most general purpose extension cords is unsafe and I totally agree. However there are specific use cords which state they are designed to be used for devices such as microwave ovens. These cords are short and the wire gauge and insulation type is safe for the stated application. If you find one of these specific application cords and its states that it is safe for your application AND it has a Genuine UL Listing AND you will not be altering the cord in any way then it should be safe for your application. However if your electrical appliance explicitly prohibits the use of any extension cord then I advise against it.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Electrical Safety
Home Electrical Safety

Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!

For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area

The following may also be helpful for you:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Electrical, Safety and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
What is a compound lightning arrester?	Is it safe to install a larger sized circuit breaker?

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.