How to Power Refrigerator with Generator?

You could switch off your other appliances, but you can not stop your refrigerator for a while. Most people store their food in the refrigerator. That is why during the blackout people become in a fix, what should I do? 

To power a generator with a refrigerator, you could connect the refrigerator cable with a 12-gauge extension wire. Then connect the extension wire while running the generator. 

Well, a generator could be a great alternative during the blackout. Yes, generators are comparatively expensive. But you could minimize the cost by choosing the right generator for your refrigerator. 

In this article, I will show you the accurate process of connecting the generator to the refrigerator. It is super simple and cool. So, let’s get started. 

How to Power Refrigerator with Generator?

The process is pretty simple. You just need to be careful while connecting. That’s all. Please follow the step-by-step process for connecting the refrigerator in the right way. By following this exact process, you could connect a full-size refrigerator with a 1000-watt generator. Yes, your refrigerator will work fine.

Prepare the Generator 

Since we do not use the generator daily, you need to prepare the generator before the start. In most cases, your generator will not start by the first kick. Don’t worry. 

Place Your Generator in a Dry and Well-Ventilated Space 

It is very important to place your generator in a dry and well-ventilated space. Usually, the generator produces carbon monoxide gas while running. You know CO is harmful to the human body. 

So, don’t place your generator inside your house. Place your generator in the yard or in the open garage. 

Don’t place the generator by the side of the wall. Placing your generator by the side of the wall will prevent access to fresh air. So, it is not recommended. 

Refueling Generator 

If you use a generator after a long period, then you should refuel again your generator. On the other hand, if you use a gas-operated generator, then there is no need for refueling here. 

Don’t use the old oil that is existing in the generator. Because old oil is not good for the generator. 

Never refuel the generator while it is running. Refueling into hot oil is not safe at all. 

Start Your Generator

If all the other things are ready, no start your generator. You might try a few times to start your generator. 

Connect Heavy-Duty Cord with Generator 

When the generator is running, you could connect the heavy-duty cord to the generator. Like all other electric appliances, the generator has surge and running power. 

You should use at least 10 gauge wire as a connecting cord. 12 gauge wire is recommended. 

Don’t set your generator so far from your house. if the distance is more than 100 feet, your electricity will be interrupted. 

Connect the Refrigerator With the Cord 

Now it’s time to connect the refrigerator cord to the generator cord. You must ensure that your generator is in the High RPM mode before plugging in the refrigerator cord. 

After connecting the refrigerator, you may transfer your generator from High RPM to Economic mode. Because refrigerators need higher wattage for starting than running. 

Warning 

• Don’t use a low-quality extension cord 
• Use the proper and right size generator to run the refrigerator 
• Don’t run your generator for more than 2 hours at a time for extra security. You could use it at regular intervals 
• Use the transfer switch to run multiple devices at a time 

Bottom Line 

These are the basic steps for connecting a generator to the refrigerator. Actually, the process is super simple. There is no complexity here. 

You just need the best materials to connect your refrigerator. Make sure that you have the right size generator for your refrigerator. For safety matters, you could use a transfer switch for running multiple appliances in your home. 

When you use a portable generator and connect directly to the refrigerator, it would not recommend running other appliances at a time. 

Related:

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