Can You Plug LED Lights Into An Extension Cord? Yes!
Are you one of those people who replaces the light bulbs in your house with LED lights? If you’re a festival light lover like myself, you probably have more lights than you know what to do with. When looking for lights for outdoor decorations, be sure to ask yourself this question before purchasing your string: can you plug LED lights into an extension cord? We’ll discuss this case thoroughly in the article.
Can You Plug The LED Lights Into An Extension Cord?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of extension cord you are using.
Light emitting diode (LED) lights use very little electricity and can be safely plugged into an extension cord that is rated at a higher wattage than the number of watts the lights will use. The most important thing to remember is that the rating on an extension cord tells you how much total current can safely pass through the cord.
For example, if you have a 100-watt incandescent light bulb, a 15-amp extension cord with a 12-gauge wire can handle that load. However, if you plug in two 25-watt LED lights, those bulbs won’t get enough power from the same cord because it’s already handling 100 watts’ worth of current.
The solution for this scenario is to purchase an extension cord that can handle multiple loads without overloading its capacity. For instance, a heavy-duty 20-amp extension cord has three prongs on one end and four on the other. So, it can safely handle three or four loads at once while still not exceeding its maximum capacity of 60 amps per conductor and 120 amps total. This type of extension cord is typically yellow or orange with three or four sockets.
Can You Plug Lights Into Extension Cords?
Yes, you can plug lights into extension cords. The question is, should you?
In theory, it’s possible to plug any electrical device into an extension cord, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Here are some reasons why:
- The outlet is not rated for the wattage the device needs. Extension cords aren’t designed for high-wattage appliances like air conditioners and electric ranges. The same goes for lights that pull a lot of currents, like LED floodlights. Using anything other than what the manufacturer recommends will void your product warranty and can even damage the equipment if it overheats or trips a circuit breaker.
- The cord itself is not rated for the wattage you’re using. If the cord is too thin, it can overheat and catch fire. This can happen especially when you’re pulling a lot of current through it, like when you have multiple strands of festival lights strung together.
- The extension cord is too long. This can cause voltage drop-off at the end of the line, affecting how well your devices operate. It can also lead to overheating. Because, there isn’t enough voltage left at the end of the line to meet your device’s needs, especially if there are multiple strings of festival lights.
Is It Safe To Plug A Night Light Into An Extension Cord?
It is safe to plug a night light into an extension cord if you are concerned enough about the possible risks.
A night light is a small lamp or bulb that gives off very little heat or light and produces very little power, usually about 1 watt or less. You can safely use a night light with an extension cord because the light draws so little energy from the plug outlet. However, it’s always better to use as short an extension cord as possible, so you don’t waste energy by heating up the wires in the extension cord. In addition, using a long extension cord will cause your lights to dim when you turn them on and off or change the setting on your dimmer switch.
Sometimes, using an extension cord with a night light may not be safe. The reason is that the extension cord won’t be able to handle the current that’s needed by the night light. The cord itself can get overloaded and start to overheat, which can cause a fire. You should only use an extension cord for temporary purposes like for festival lights or something similar. If you need more power, you should get an electrician to install wiring in your home so you can use a more powerful outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Plug LED Lights Into An Outlet?
Yes, you can plug LED lights into an outlet. This is not a problem; however, you should ensure that the voltage of your LED lights matches the voltage of your outlet. If they don’t match, you will need a converter to go from one to the other. You can find these converters at any hardware store or online. When your LED lights are powered by batteries, you do not have to worry about this issue because they will work with any outlet!
How Many Lights Can You Plug Into An Extension Cord?
If you’re using a standard extension cord, you can usually plug in two or three devices. However, if you’re using a thicker cord meant for outdoor use, you may be able to plug in four or five devices. Ultimately, it depends on the wattage of the devices you’re plugging in and the thickness of the extension cord.
Is It Safe To Plug LED Lights Into An Extension Cord?
Yes, it is safe to plug LED lights into an extension cord. The extension cord will not cause the LED lights to overheat or catch fire. However, ensuring that the extension cord is rated for the same voltage as the LED lights is crucial. Otherwise, the extension cord can damage the LED lights.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful to you in answering your question. Our conclusion is a clear yes! As the primary conductor of electricity, the wires in the extension cord carry current from the outlet to your LED lights.
