Are Extension Cords Bad for Chargers? (We Checked)

Extension cords are great for extending the reach of your charger. But what happens when you use an extension cord with a charger? As it turns out, it depends on the type of cord and the type of plug you’re using.

You may have heard that extension cords can be bad for chargers, and that’s true — but only if you use the wrong kind of cord.

Here’s what you need to know about using extension cords with your cell phone charger.

Here’s If Extension Cords Are Bad For Chargers:

Extension cords are designed to be used temporarily and with care, but that doesn’t mean they’re all bad. But when it comes to charging your phone or powering up your laptop, avoid using an extension cord at all costs. The main problem is that they might not deliver the right amount of power.

Do Extension Cords Ruin Chargers?

Extension cords aren’t designed to be used as permanent wiring. They’re meant to be used for temporary purposes and should be replaced at least every five years.

Extension cords are designed to carry a limited amount of current from one outlet to another. The wire in the cord is rated for only so much current before it overheats and melts. If you overload an extension cord, you can damage it, which could cause a fire hazard or even electrocution.

In addition, extension cords aren’t made for use with high-power appliances such as air conditioners, heaters and power tools.

These items can draw too much energy through an extension cord and cause it to overheat and melt—or even catch fire.

If you need to run an appliance that draws a lot of electricity, you should buy a heavy-duty extension cord that has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

These cords are tested by experts who know how much electricity they can safely carry without overheating or melting down. These cords are also marked with their wattage capacity so you can easily see how much power they are capable of carrying.

Do Extension Cords Damage Phone Chargers?

The answer is Yes, but only if you use the extension cord for an extended period of time. If you are using an extension cord to charge your phone, then it’s highly likely that you are doing it wrong.

The main reason is that extension cords don’t provide enough power to charge your phone in a reasonable amount of time.

The second reason is that charging through an extension cord can cause damage to your phone charger. Over time, the wires inside the extension cord will get damaged and eventually break down causing the charger to stop working properly or even worse, start a fire.

Read our blog here about do extension cords reduce power?

Do Extension Cords Affect the Charging Time?

There are many people who have the habit of using extension cords when they need to charge their devices. Since it is very convenient, this can be a great way to save time and money.

However, there are still some people who worry about the effects of using extension cords on the charging time of their devices.

It is true that using an extension cord could affect the charging time of your device, but it depends on the length and type of cord you use.

If you use a really long extension cord it may affect your charging speed as you will have less power.

Read our comprehensive blog here about does extension cords affect charging time?

Do Extension Cords Draw Power from the Charger?

No, they don’t. But extension cords do draw power from the outlet.

The most important thing is that you have a good quality extension cord, and you use it properly. This can save your devices and even your home’s electrical system.

The problem with cheap extension cords is two-fold: they can overheat, causing sparks and fires; and they can affect the performance of your devices.

Consider this example:

• You plug in an extension cord into an outlet in a room with no lights or other appliances on. The extension cord is rated at 12 Amps (A) but only draws 8 (A). This means there is not enough current available in the circuit being used by the plug. So, while you may think you are extending your reach by plugging into another outlet, you are actually drawing less power than if plugged directly into an outlet in an open circuit with no other appliances on that circuit.

Can You Plug a Battery Charger into Extension Cords?

You can plug a battery charger into extension cords, but you should be careful.

First, it’s important to understand that there are two types of extension cords: temporary and permanent.

• Temporary cords are designed for temporary use and will not handle the same amount of power as a permanent cord. The maximum length of a temporary extension cord is 25 feet, which means that if you need to run an extension cord for more than 25 feet, then you will need two cords (one for each end).
• A permanent extension cord has thicker insulation and greater strength than temporary cords. While these cords cost more money, they are worth it because they will last longer and won’t burn out as easily as temporary cords. If you buy one of these types of extension cords, then you don’t have to worry about burning up your equipment or house when using it with your battery charger.

Secondly, make sure that the gauge of the wire on your cord matches the gauge on your battery charger.

If they don’t match up properly, then they may not work together properly and could cause damage to your equipment or house if used together incorrectly or improperly maintained over time.

Can You Use Extension Cords with Car Chargers?

You can use extension cords with car chargers, but there are some things to consider first.

Extension cords and charging cables have different specifications, so you need to make sure you get a cord that’s designed for the job. That means it should be rated for high wattage and high amperage.

It should also have safety features like heat resistance and insulated wire ends.

The most important thing is to get a heavy-duty extension cord that can handle the power draw from your phone or tablet charger. If you’re using an aftermarket car charger that doesn’t come with its own cord, then you’ll need a good quality cable that can handle up to 2 amps of current.

Conclusion

The main reason why using extension cords with chargers is bad is because they can cause electric shock. When the cable gets damaged or starts to spark, the electricity can travel through the air instead of going directly into your phone or laptop.

This can lead to electrocution which can be very dangerous — not just for you but also for anyone who happens to be around at the time of use.

Another reason why using extension cords with chargers is bad is because it can overheat your device. If there are any damages in the cable, then this causes overheating as well as short-circuiting which will eventually cause damage to your device’s battery life and overall functionality.

Sources

• Portable Powerguides: Can You Plug A Phone Charger Into An Extension Cord?