Last night I took a bad tumble in the dark, tripping over the cord to the portable AC unit right outside my bedroom. It motivated me to finally order an extension cord, so that I can set it up more safely and as less of a trip hazard. I had been avoiding doing so because I was always told to never plug an AC into an extension cord because it was a fire hazard. So I deferred to an electrician. This is what they said:
If you have a small AC unit, you CAN plug it into an extension cord. However, you want to look for 2 things:
1. Only use a cord as long as you need. If the cord is too long and you have it coiled up, it risks overheating.
2. You need the correct Amps - higher than what the AC is rated at. Most basic household extension cords are not rated high enough, and surge protectors/power strips are not either. Most small window units or portable units are 12 amp, so you want a cord that is at least 15 amps. The one that was recommended to me is this one, rated at 15 amps and 1875 watts.
Be careful! It's hot out there. I keep seeing friends post about it every day. Use those ACs, but please do it safely. Most people associate house fires with overloaded space heaters in the winter, but an overloaded cord from an AC will do it too. So if you have to use an extension cord with your AC, make sure you are plugging it in with the right kind.
