help please extension cord warm?

I have a 25 foot 13amp extension cord running off a single outlet (only outlet on 15 amp breaker) powering my 1000 watt ballast and mh light...

The extension cord is warm to the touch..not hot but just warm compared to normal...is this something to be alarmed over?

Not good. Anything carrying current that is warm to the touch means the chord is under-rated for the application . To be safe, get a heftier cord or get a properly rated outlet for direct connection of your light. What gauge wire is in your extension chord?

Jhaz said:

I have a 25 foot 13amp extension cord running off a single outlet (only outlet on 15 amp breaker) powering my 1000 watt ballast and mh light...

The extension cord is warm to the touch..not hot but just warm compared to normal...is this something to be alarmed over?

Click to expand...

the bigger the cord, diameter not length, the less heat that its going generate. and you shouldn't notice anyheat on something like that. you can gamble with starting a fire or you can go get a more suitable cord

It's not good if it's warm because the light pulls more power at start up so it can be a fire hazard. Easy way to fix is buy a cord rated for 15/20 amps. Make sure you have it pluged into a GFI.

The heat essentially means that the cord cannot carry sufficiently the amount of current that the heater is asking for. It will do it anyway of course, but the result is the excess heat you feel coming from the cord. Eventually that heat will break down the insulation around the wiring, resulting in even more heat build-up and potentially a fire.

Extension cords have amperage ratings, though they are often not obvious. You should ALWAYS make sure that the cord used is enough to handle the job, by comparing it's rating to the current draw of the item being plugged into it. If more than one item is plugged into it the amps from each device should be added together to determine the total capacity needed.

says 13a 120 volt 1625 watt... doesn't say gauge on it...the only thing im using it for is the light and it pulls 9.5 amps it says

`shit i got to get a new one but have zero dollars for atleast a week

Keep an eye on it. Your Light pulls more power when it starts than when it is running. Ask a friend if they can lend you one for a while.

im gonna try and sell a 3x6 table I have to get some cash .. thanks guys

this is a very simple fix, go spend 8-10 on a good 15-20 amp cord. Go with a 14 gauge, unless you need to go more than 50 feet, in which case I'd go for a 12. More info is readily available with a google search for 'extension cord sizes'.

gobbly i plan to i need to sell my table first..absolutely 0$ to my name just paid my bills yesterday olololol think i got a buyer tomorrow tho

Get a 12 awg extension if you have to run a cord. Anything less will not be sufficient.