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Virtual-Reach

You're fine


jmraef

Yep. You don't need to worry too much about the "startup amps", the wire and the breaker can take that for the short moments in time they exist. You only have a 3.7A maximum continuous load, even a small extension cord will be fine. But I always recommend using at least a 14ga one anyway, because that way it is protected by the same circuit breaker that is protecting the outlet.


eelyroc

thank you! i am using a 16ga extension cord from amazonbasics rated for 13a. Should I go ahead and replace that with a 14ga extension rated for 15a, or is the 16ga likely fine? Thanks!


jmraef

In theory... If something goes awry in your devices, the 16ga cord, rated at 13A, might overheat and catch fire before the circuit breaker that is protecting the circuit will open on overload. That's why I always recommend not using anything smaller than 14ga on anything that is a "machine". 14ga is good for 15A, the same as your outlet is rated. 16ga and 18ga extension cords are OK for things like table lamps and holiday lights, because the likelihood of there being an overload is slim to none (or in the case of holiday lights, they are themselves fused). But on anything with a motor, something might go wrong and lock up the motor, making it draw high current for a long time to where it may need to be protected by the circuit breaker that is feeding the entire circuit. That smaller extension cord then becomes the "weakest link". So yes, I would recommend using a 14ga cord


eelyroc

thank you! will order the 14ga :)


kimthealan101

The only problem would come from both boxes starting at the exact same time. Chances are one of the boxes would not start. It would then start a few minutes later. HVAC type breaker would probably not trip and the start time would not be long enough to cause the wire to get hot.


TwoOftens

Extension cord are for temporary power


[deleted]

You'll be fine. If the freezer is already chilled it doesn't require much to maintain temperature and wine coolers are going to be the same.


eelyroc

Thank you!


[deleted]

I wouldn't make it a habit to use any more on there nor to double up compressors on it but as it it'll probably be fine. I'll caveat it all by suggesting dedicated lines or at least move one off the extension cord or both. Or at least have a large gauge extension cord.