4 reasons you should never plug your fridge into an extension cord or power board

Would you plug your air conditioner or water heater into a cheap extension cord? Probably not. A lot of people don’t think twice about doing that with fridges, though - especially secondary ones, like overflow garage fridges or bar fridges.

Fridges might seem quiet (hopefully) and steady, but along with freezers, they are the only major appliances that work away 24/7. In Australia, our homes run on 230-240 volts, and fridge freezers are designed to plug straight into fixed wall power points. Using an extension lead or power board can create safety, performance and compliance problems that aren’t worth the risk.

A power board or extension cord might seem convenient, but here’s why your fridge shouldn’t be plugged into one.

Long or low-quality extension leads can cause voltage drop. This means the fridge does not receive the steady voltage it was designed for.

If the voltage dips each time the compressor starts, the motor has to work harder. Over time, this strain can reduce efficiency and shorten the life of the compressor.

How can you tell if there’s an issue? You may notice:

• The motor running more often

• Food not staying as cold as it should

• Higher energy use.

It might seem minor, but over several years it can add up to costly repairs or early replacement.

Adding a bulky connector, extension cable or power board behind a fridge can prevent it from sitting properly in its cavity and potentially strain and damage the cord and cause heat buildup. A crushed or bent fridge cord can overheat, and if the board is tucked into a tight space behind cabinetry, heat from the fridge’s compressor or condenser coils can accumulate, creating a fire risk.

If your power outlet is not in the right spot for your fridge, the safest solution is to have a new outlet installed by a licensed electrician. It might cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, but that’s a small price to pay to not only protect your fridge and the food inside it, but also reduce the risk of electrical problems in your home.

Appliances Online has a huge selection of refrigerators - from top mounts and French door to bottom mounts, side by sides and mini fridges. And with our legendary FREE delivery we can usually get orders to 95% of Australians by the next day (Mon-Fri) if it's in stock. We even offer a paid Same Day Delivery option in NSW, QLD and VIC metro areas if you order before 12pm on weekdays.

Plus, we’ll save you from an unsightly nature strip by taking your old fridge away for safe recycling, for free. Check out our full range of fridges here, and if you have any questions on finding the best top mount fridge for your home, read our Fridge Buying Guide, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.