Fire Marshal warns against using extension cords to power air conditioning units Trying to beat the searing temperatures by using a window air conditioner powered by an extension cord can spark another of the afflictions currently plaguing the area — fire. Fire Marshal Clyde Ellis, Ardmore Fire Department, said within the past 30 days local firefighters have responded to three residential fires.  All three fires were caused by the same combination of exceptional heat and window air conditioners powered by extension cords. “First off, window air conditioners are not meant to run off extension cords — that’s dangerous in itself and it’s never a good idea. What’s adding to something that’s already dangerous is the high temperatures, which is causing window air conditioners to not cycle properly. These units aren’t able to sufficiently bring the temperature inside the room down so the compressor continues to cycle instead of turning off at regular intervals.

That continuous cycling causes heat to build up and eventually that causes the cord to burn out and a fire to start,” Ellis said. Extension cords may seem to be a quick fix when someone installs a window air conditioner only to discover there is no electrical wall outlet close enough to plug in the unit’s power cord. Price quotes from area electricians about the average cost of having a wall outlet installed ranged from $85 to $350. While certainly the safer alternative, the installation costs may not be financially feasible. For some, the question then becomes weighing the health risks associated with living in stifling heat against the risk of a potential fire. It’s a dilemma Ellis understands. And while he strongly recommends having a wall outlet professionally installed, he said there is a short term alternative that can provide a measure of safety. “Don’t use a common household type extension cord. Use one made for commercial purposes — one with at least 10-gauge wire and use the shortest cord possible,” he said.

To ask questions concerning safely operating window air conditioners call Ellis at (580) 221-2550. I have a brand new AC in the box which was meant for another room, but recently had a baby and her room is too hot. I want to use the AC I already purchased, but the max window width is 36" and the window in her room is 48" Is it possible\safe to use plywood or some other material to act as the AC curtain to make up for the remaining 12" of space? Cant seem to find anything on the web. (perhaps I am searching for the wrong keywords) You could use exterior grade plywood, but you should still seal it on both sides with paint or clear coating suitible for exterior use. It still may be somewhat unsightly on the inside. As an alternative, I have regularly used plexiglas type plastic to fill in the spaces along the sides of air conditioners. This avoids weatherproofing and appearance issues. It also give you a bit of a view to the side of the air conditioner (this was critical in my New York apartment where the peek-a-boo river view was in the only window that could take the air conditioner).

The easiest way to use this system is to remove the expandable plastic filler frame altogether. The accordian plastic is prone to leaking air anyway. While the filler sides do not provide much support, they do provide a bit, so it is essential to make sure the air conditioner is well attached behind the upper sash, prefereably with screws, and that the upper sash is blocked from opening with a bracket of some sort.hide a window air conditioner Cut the plexi to fit. air handling units sizesYou do need to seal the plexi on all four sides. cost of outside air conditioner unitOne way to to this is to create a molding one side of which will press against the face of the plexi (on the inside surface) and the other side against the side of the window frame, the sill and the upper sash and against the air conditioner itself.

Silicone sealant or similar latex glues can be used to glue the plexi and the molding. These can generally be removed fairly easily with a razor blade if needed.Browse other questions tagged windows air-conditioning or ask your own question.Look at all the potential fire hazards! It is wholly unpleasant to suffer through a super-humid, sweaty, sleepless night sans air-conditioning—this is especially true if you live in a small room with a small window, with no cross-ventilation or ceiling fan to properly circulate the air. Still, while a hot night is bad, an apartment fire is worse, and it's important to adhere to some safety rules so you don't reduce your home to a pile of ashes. First and foremost: do not connect your air-conditioner window unit to an extension cord. The FDNY specifically warns against using extension cords or power strips for large electrical appliances like air-conditioners, along with televisions, clothes dryers, refrigerators, and freezers, warning that extension cords are "only for temporary use," and cannot handle as much current as permanent wiring.

Air-conditioner cords are purposefully thick and short because A/Cs use so much electricity—if you hook up your unit to a typical extension cord you pick up at a hardware or drug store, the plug, socket, or entire length of the cord can overheat, causing fires that can occasionally be fatal. Of course, in rentals we're often at the mercy of cost-cutting landlords, and it's not that uncommon to find your only room's outlet is located too far from your room's only window. This is an unfortunate discovery, particularly if it happens at 3 a.m. on an 80-degree night and your A/C is drilled into your window so you end up sleeping with your door wide open and confusing your roommates when they wake up to use the bathroom. There are heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically designed for major appliances like air-conditioners. These should be shorter cords with lower gauges (12 or 14 gauge) and higher amp ratings. If you are in need of one of these, take a photo of the sticker attached to your A/C plug that should list the electricity units the air-conditioner uses, then bring it to a knowledgeable employee at a hardware store and see if there's something they can recommend.

For the sake of yourself and your neighbors, do not try to figure this out yourself, assuming you are not specifically trained in electrical wiring. That is potentially how my apartment building caught fire last year, and I can promise you it is not fun. Another option is to petition your landlord to install another outlet, if you are in a rental. You must go through the landlord to ensure you're not overloading the wiring, which can cause an electrical fire. He or she might say no, but you can bring up the safety issue and offer to split or front the cost to pay for the sockets. There are also a number of ways to stay cool without an air-conditioner. You can use a properly-rated extension cord for a window fan, or purchase a few standing fans and place them around your room strategically so you can circulate the air. Make sure you're sleeping on all-cotton sheets, keep your blinds closed, and buy this weird cooling pillow if you must. Sweat out the booze. Remember that if you do have an air-conditioner (that's plugged properly into a wall), it is imperative that you install it in your window correctly, lest you kill an unsuspecting person on the sidewalk below.