Greggl4321
Active Member
I'm looking for a heavy duty extension cord to run power to my grow room. Will it matter much if I get 50ft vs 25ft?
sized extension cords
- Thread starter Greggl4321
- Start date
Xcoregamerskillz
Well-Known Member
No. Over that distance voltage drop is negligible, especially at 120v under 20A
ISK
Well-Known Member
This really depends on how much current (AMP) you are drawing...are you using a few 23 watt CFL's bulbs or a 1000 watt bulb?
Generally speaking length does matter, as you want to keep your cord as short as possible, but what's even more important is the gauge of wires in the cord.
Electrical wires are rated with AWG, smaller the number the fatter they are, thus can handle higher current flows....cords are also rated by the maximum amperage, just like your timer is rated
- a heavy duty industrial style extension cord will use #10 AWG,
- a heavy duty household cord will use #12 AWG,
- a decent medium duty cord is #14 AWG.
- light duty cords are #16 AWG or #18 AWG
Do not cheap out on an extension cord, better to be over-rated than under, and limit the length as much as you can
Greggl4321
Active Member
Just 600 watts
SPLFreak808
Well-Known Member
Extension cords are already rated at its current length, you really cant fuck up unless you attempt to run 2 in series. Find the length you need at the proper amperage, take it to the counter and pay for it lol.
Greggl4321
Active Member
Yeah don't think I'll screw up
Going with a 12 gauge 50ft cord to draw power.
Going with a 12 gauge 50ft cord to draw power.
Los Reefersaurus
Well-Known Member
don't buy a cheap china cord they only rate the wire not the wire to plug attachment. Buy a contractor grade cord that cost more. ANd about the gauge there are charts on line to reference remember you don't want to exceed 75% of the rating for a constant load.
Flowki
Well-Known Member
What are you guys using after the extension cord?. I've seen things like this for the lights but they will still need 2 main power lines to run off to split load, when accounting for extra sockets/load for fans etc. So the next question would be what are you running your fans in/out dehueys etc from?.
Bakersfield
Well-Known Member
I've noticed that even the more expensive 12 gauge cords with the clear rubber ends and little red light, get a burnt look around the plug after a few months of use.
Xcoregamerskillz
Well-Known Member
That's from ozone, and a bit a heat, black ones get that too, you just don't see it.
Bakersfield
Well-Known Member
Is that a dangerous condition or does it just look bad? I've actually cut the ends off and checked the insulation on the wiring and all looked good, so I put a quality aftermarket plug back on.
Xcoregamerskillz
Well-Known Member
It's usually fine. Unless you see melting, I wouldn't worry. There is always a bit of micro arc-ing when you plug anything in.