No. GE’s, Whirlpool’s and Frigidaire’s refrigerator manuals all say do not use an extension cord. Plug the fridge or freezer straight into a grounded three-prong wall outlet.
What each maker’s manual says
- GE Appliances, top-freezer refrigerator and chest freezer manuals: “Do not use an extension cord.” The fridge or freezer gets its own individual outlet, grounded, on a 115 volt, 15 or 20 amp fused supply.
- Whirlpool, top-mount refrigerator manual: the same words as GE’s, in its safety list and again in its electrical requirements. Whirlpool asks for a grounded 115 volt, 15 or 20 amp fused supply, recommends a circuit serving only the refrigerator, and wants an outlet a switch can’t turn off.
- Frigidaire, refrigerator manual: “Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug.” The fridge goes on its own dedicated 115 volt, 15 amp grounded outlet, not one controlled by a wall switch or pull cord.
Your own model’s manual is the one to follow. GE’s chest freezer manual says the same as its refrigerator manual, so a freezer in the garage or basement needs a wall outlet too.
Older GE manuals said otherwise
GE’s refrigerator manuals from around 1999 strongly recommended against an extension cord, but allowed a UL-listed three-wire grounding appliance cord rated at least 15 amps and 120 volts if one had to be used. GE’s current manuals drop that allowance and say not to use one.
Power strips and adapters
Power strips aren’t designed for big loads such as refrigerators, and a surge protector is a power strip with surge parts added. Frigidaire also says not to place several portable outlets behind the appliance. All three makers also say not to use an adapter.
No outlet where the fridge goes
- Move the fridge or freezer to a spot with a grounded outlet.
- Or have an electrician add an outlet where you want it. GE and Frigidaire want the appliance on an outlet of its own.
- If the only outlet has two slots, GE says it’s your responsibility to have it replaced with a grounded three-prong outlet. That’s a job for an electrician.
Unplug a refrigerator by gripping the plug, never by pulling the cord. If its power cord is cracked or damaged, stop using it and have it replaced by a service technician.