Safety of Refrigerator Plugs

Basics

• Refrigerator-freezer combos use an average of between 300 and 750 watts, according to the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI). A refrigerator has a starting current of up to 500 percent as compared to regular household appliances. If a refrigerator is placed too close to a wall, its fans can't circulate air correctly. Increasingly, manufacturers are trying to reduce the refrigerator's environmental impact, making refrigerators that use less power than previous models.

Circuit Overload

• Because refrigerators use so much power, it's dangerous to use an extension cord to plug in a refrigerator in. According to the ESFI, refrigerators and freezers are responsible for more than 1,000 fires every year due to a problem with the refrigerator's electrical load. If you feel that there may be some sort of faulty wiring on your refrigerator, don't attempt to unplug the unit; turn off the power to your kitchen via your circuit breaker.

Old Plugs

• An old plug can be an electrical danger, as frayed and exposed wires are an instant risk to your safety. Look out for scorch marks on the plugs and cables -- this is a sign that your plug is faulty. Another thing to watch out for is the temperature of the plug. If it feels hot to the touch, don't keep using it; have a professional replace your cord.

Tips

• Be careful that the plug doesn't drag along the floor; in the kitchen, spilled liquids can be a danger near dangling cords. As with all electric plugs, make sure that when you unplug a refrigerator, you pull at the plug rather than on the cord. Don't ever cut off a sealed plug with the intention of reusing it in the future. Lastly, make sure your refrigerator's plug matches the capacity of the outlet into which it's plugged.