Can You Use An Extension Cord With An Air Purifier?

An air purifier can be a great addition to your home, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

But can you use an extension cord with an air purifier?

In this blog post, we will answer this and other related questions to help you understand the best way to use your air purifier.

Can You Use An Extension Cord With An Air Purifier?

An extension cord can be used with an air purifier because a typical air purifier draws about the same amount of power as a small appliance. That’s about 50-120 watts. Most extension cords are rated 15- 20 amps, which means they can handle up to 1800-2400 watts. So an extension cord can provide the power an air purifier needs.

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you do use an extension cord with your air purifier:

Consider The Extension Cord Wattage

First of all, you want to make sure that the cord is rated for the wattage of the air purifier.

Otherwise, you could overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Use The Shortest Cord Possible

You also want to use the shortest cord possible. The longer the cord, the more resistance there will be, which could cause the purifier to work less efficiently.

In addition, a longer cord is more likely to get tangled or damaged.

Choose A Heavy-Duty Extension Cord

You want to get a heavy-duty extension cord that can handle the power of your air purifier. A 14-gauge cord is a good option.

Make Sure The Extension Has A 3-Prong Plug

This is extremely important for safety reasons. An extension cord with a three-prong plug will help to ground the appliance and prevent electrical shocks.

Do Not Overload The Extension Cord

Never overload the extension cord by plugging in other appliances.

You see, the more appliances you have plugged into an extension cord, the more likely it is to overheat and cause a fire.

So only use one appliance per extension cord.

Can You Plug An Air Purifier Into A Surge Protector?

There is no serious risk in plugging your air purifier into a surge protector.

In fact, it is actually a good idea to do so.

This will help to protect your appliance from power surges, which can damage the purifier or shorten its lifespan.

Just make sure that the surge protector you choose can handle the wattage of your air purifier.

You want to get a surge protector with at least 1200 joules of protection. And it’s always a good idea to plug your surge protector into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord.

Is It Safe To Use An Extension Cord With An Extension Cord?

No, you should never use one extension cord with another.

This is risky and there are various reasons why:

You Will Be Overloading The First Extension Cord

Once you plug in appliances to the second extension cord (and you probably have a few more appliances o the first), you will be overloading the circuit.

The Effective Resistance Will Increase

Having two extension cords connected in series will double the effective resistance. This will make it harder for electricity to flow, which could cause the cords to overheat and start a fire.

The Risk Of Shocks And Electrocution Is Increased

If one of the extension cords is not properly grounded, you could be at risk for electrical shocks or even electrocution.

There Will Be A Voltage Drop per Unit Length

When you use two extension cords, the voltage drop will be greater per unit length. This means that the appliances at the end of the second cord will not get as much power as they need, which could damage them.

A Tripping Hazard

While this may not seem like a serious safety concern, it’s actually one of the most common reasons why people get injured.

Having two extension cords running across a room is just asking for someone to trip and fall.

Can You Plug A Night Light Into An Extension Cord?

No, it is never a good idea to plug a night light into an extension cord.

This is because the night light will add to the overall load on the circuit, which could cause the extension cord to overheat and start a fire.

Plug your nightlight directly into the wall outlet instead.

Can You Plug A Surge Protector Into an Extension Cord?

Yes, you can plug a surge protector into an extension cord.

However, it is important to note that there is always a risk of fire when you are using electrical appliances.

So, if possible, you should plug the surge protector directly into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord.

If you have to plug the surge protector into an extension cord, make sure that the cord is a heavy-duty 14-gauge cord.

You should also make sure that the surge protector has a three-prong plug. This will help to ground the appliance and prevent electrical shocks.

Finally, ensure that the extension cord can handle the same wattage as the surge protector.

Most surge protectors have a rating of 1800 watts, so make sure that the extension cord is at least that rating.

When Should You Not Use An Extension Cord? 

As a rule of thumb, you should not use an extension with appliances that require huge amounts of power, such as a space heater or hairdryer.

This is because the extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.

You should also avoid using extension cords in wet areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen. And never use an extension cord with another extension cord.

Always check the maximum load of an extension cord to know how many appliances you can plug into it. If you are ever unsure, err on the side of caution and don’t use the extension cord.

Final Thoughts

You can use an extension cord with an air purifier, but there are some risks involved. It is always best to plug the air purifier directly into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord.

However, if you must use an extension cord, make sure that it is a heavy-duty 14-gauge cord and never plug in any other appliances to the same cord.

Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using extension cords.

Looking For Air Purifier Guides?

If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.

• 5 Best Air Purifiers For Pregnancy (Review)
• The Best Air Purifiers For Epoxy Resin
• 5 Best Hospital Grade Whole House Air Purifiers (Updated)
• Do Air Purifiers Cause Static Electricity?

References: what is an Extension cord, Extension Cord Safety Tips