You can, but Worx’s and Ryobi’s manuals say an extension cord isn’t recommended with their electric pressure washers. If you have to use one, use the outdoor cord your washer’s manual allows, and keep the connection dry and off the ground.
The gauge and length the manuals allow
Worx’s and Ryobi’s manuals each set their own limit, though both washers are 13 amps. Worx’s table, from the manual for its WG601, covers products rated over 12 up to 16 amps. Greenworks’ manual for its 13 amp GPW1501 and GPW1602 gives no gauge.
| Manual | 25 ft | 50 ft | 100 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi RY142300 | 12 | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Worx, over 12 to 16 A | 14 | 12 | Not recommended |
Minimum wire gauge (AWG). The lower the number, the heavier the cord. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.
Go by the manual for your own washer. Its amps are on the washer’s label.
An outdoor cord
- Use only an extension cord made for outdoor use. The makers identify these by the marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances; store indoors while not in use.”
- Ryobi’s manual also lists outdoor jacket types such as SJTW-A and SJW-A, or a W on the jacket. W-A is the older form of the W rating. See what the letters on an extension cord mean.
- The cord’s rating must be at least the washer’s rating. Greenworks’ manual also asks for a cord with watertight connections.
- Ryobi’s RY142300 has a three-prong plug and needs a three-wire cord with three-prong ends. Don’t use an adapter plug. If the plug doesn’t fit the outlet, have a qualified electrician install the right outlet.
Keep the connection dry
- Don’t touch a plug with wet hands.
- Set the plug and extension cord connection on a raised surface where the water can’t reach it.
- Make a drip loop: let the cord dip below the outlet, or below the connection, so water running along the cord drips off before it gets to the plug.
- Never point the spray at the cord, the outlet or any electrical device.
- When you’re done, unplug the extension cord from the wall outlet before you unplug the washer from the extension cord.
The GFCI in the plug
These washers have a GFCI built into the plug of the power cord. If the plug or cord ever needs replacing, use only identical parts that include GFCI protection. Worx’s and Ryobi’s manuals say to test it once a month with its TEST and RESET buttons. Ryobi’s also says to press RESET each time you plug the washer in.
Replace a damaged extension cord before you use the washer. Use one cord, no longer than your washer’s manual allows, instead of joining two.