A battery tender is a device that automatically keeps your car battery charged and in good condition. It would be best to never run the charger off of an extension cord because it will not charge as quickly or efficiently as when plugged into the wall outlet. This is because the voltage from the power source provided by the extension cord will be significantly lower than what’s coming out of your wall socket.
The answer to the question “Can you use an extension cord with a battery tender?” may differ from model to model. There are times when an extension cord might be needed in order to reach the battery, and this is where they can come in handy.
Extension Cord Size Chart
| # of Conductors | Gauge (AWG) | Max. Amps | Max. Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 14 | 15 | 1875 |
| 3 | 12 | 20 | 2500 |
| 4 | 10 | 30 | 3750 |
| 6 | 8 | 50 | 6250 |
| 8 | 6 | 65 | 8125 |
Can you use an extension cord on a trickle charger?
A trickle charger is designed only to put out a low amount of voltage and current. Broadly speaking, these charging specifications aren’t usually compatible with extension cords, so it’s best not to use an extension cord for battery tender if at all possible. Furthermore, overloading an extension cord will cause the degradation of power lines and surges at varying intervals which can lead to other fire hazards and other safety risks should the equipment be located near flammable materials.
However, there are some situations where it may be necessary to use an extension cord. For example, if you need to charge your batteries outside or at another location not near an outlet, then using an outdoor-rated extension cord can help provide power for the trickle charger. It’s also advisable that you do NOT connect multiple extension cords.
Can you leave a battery tender on all the time?
People often wonder if it’s okay to leave their battery tender plugged in all the time when they are not using their vehicle. The answer is no in general; you should not leave your battery tender on all the time.
It is best to disconnect your battery tender when you are done using it, especially during long periods of storage. Leaving a charger connected will drain energy from the car’s battery and could cause damage over time. This will help prevent overcharging and damage to your battery life due to being left on for long periods.
Do extension cords ruin chargers?
The primary concern with using an extension cord is that it can cause power to drop, which will ultimately affect the charger. This may lead to overcharging or undercharging of your battery. Typically, most chargers are designed for direct charging; however, there are some models out there that you can use with an extension cord without any issues at all. Before you use an extension cord, it is best to check with your manufacturer or the product manual. If all appears well, then there should be no issues using an extension cord.
Extension cords are designed for temporary usage only and can wear down over time due to exposure to elements such as heat/cold/water. This may cause power to drop and could affect your charger. If you plan to use an extension cord long-term, it is best not to have a charger plugged in.
Can a battery tender ruin a battery?
We all know how important a car battery is to keep the car running. If your battery dies, there is no way you can get to work or anywhere else, for that matter.
To avoid getting stuck with a dead battery and ruining the one you have in place, you may use a battery tender. The beauty of these devices is that they are portable and easy to store away when not in use.
However, there are some things you need to remember about using a battery tender and an extension cord at the same time.
There are many companies on the market that offer battery tenders, so it’s recommended to consult with expert mechanics before choosing one of these products.
A battery tender may ruin a battery if not used properly. The following are some safety suggestions when using battery chargers:
• Do not leave your Battery Tender connected for too long to a battery.
• Always use a Battery Tender when charging your vehicle’s battery.
• Do not attempt to charge your battery if the battery posts, terminals, or related accessories are visibly dirty or covered in corrosion, as this will result in poor charging and could damage your charger. If you see that there is some dirt/corrosion on your car’s battery, clean with a wire brush and wipe dry before charging.
In conclusion, you can use an extension cord with a battery tender. If using one, however, make sure you are only charging the batteries that came with it and not adding or removing any. If you do plan on using an extension cord, make sure it is heavy-duty and can handle the amperage of your charger. You can also consult a product manual for more information or from an expert to ensure your device is compatible with an extension cord.
