Can I use a 30 amp rv extension cord?

[MrDanky]

Well, I found a new grow spot but I am a noob when it comes to electricity.

I do not want to re-wire anything from my electrical box.

Instead I wondered if I can run a 30 amp RV extension cord from my basement dryer 30 amp hookup to my spot then connect that up to a pre-wired box that will shoot out into a bunch of 120v and a couple 240v receptacles thus allowing me to run many watts.

I think the 30 amp extension cord is like 50 feet.

Can I do this instead of spending hours studying electical or spending $/risk bringing in an electrician?

Thanks in advance. Ill try and post pics of the items which I am trying to use here soon to better illustrate my thoughts

 

[omenman]

dude..that sounds like a mad good idea..i may steal this.lol..however you will have to use the dryer plug end i think..and make sure you ask somone else outthere to get the right wires..

 

[badugi]

Bad idea IMO, at face value.

Short answer: yes.

Long answer: what exactly for, and how?

 

[MrDanky]

i want to take one of these...

run it from the plug that my dryer is usually plugged into, into another room, where i will have this box mounted on the wall...

anyone see any problems with this or is this a GREAT idea?

 

[MrDanky]

30 Amp Timer Box
This unit allows the user to run up to 4 - 1000 watt light systems and up to 10 amps of accessories from the same timer. An inline fuse protects the timer. Internally, the timer operates a contactor to control the power supply to the receptacles.
POWER CORD:
• 1 - 30 Amp Dryer Cord
BREAKERS:
• 1 - 20 Amp Breaker 240 volt
• 1 - 10 Amp Breaker 120 volt
RECEPTACLES:
• 4 - 240 volt Receptacles (supplies up to 4 - 1000 watt light systems)
• 2 - 120 volt Receptacles (supplies ac ces so ries such as fans or light movers)
DIGITAL TIMER:
• 7-Day Digital Timer
• 42 Weekly ON/OFF Settings
• 6 Daily ON/OFF Settings
• Manual Override
• Battery Back-up

 

[MrDanky]

240$ for the box, around 50$ for the 25 foot extension cable...

lookin at around $300+ including tax to have the ability to run 4k without dicking around too much with the electrical infrastructure of the house..

only drawback is that I will have to share this with my dryer. in other words, i will have to dry clothes during lights off period

 

[MrDanky]

anyone have any input or am i just asking a dumb, obvious question here?

 

[Dr Dog]

It seems like a neat idea, if you want to go through teh expense of having to get all this gear, then do it, the only things I see wrong with your idea
1. Having a large garden hose sized extension cord running around your house, will be a trip hazard and will most likely generate questions
2. 30 amp electrical connections require great connectivity points, meaning if you are going to be alternating between your dryer and your lights, and you do not have the plug fastened properly to the receptacle, then you get no juice

Just remember what happened Nov 5 1955, that was due to to bad connections

 

[PharmaCan]

Dr. G makes some good points.

It appears that you think this whole set-up is going to be plug-n-play. It won't be. If nothing else, your cord ends will be different. You'd be better off to get some #8 bundled wire - three conductors + ground - cut to exactly the size you need with the proper cord ends installed by you.

That panel set-up you are showing is one photo superimposed over another over another. What you are showing in the pic has no relationship to the specs you've posted. You might be able to power 2k with that set-up, but 4k is dreaming.

PC

 

[badugi]

You'd be better off to get some #8 bundled wire - three conductors + ground - cut to exactly the size you need with the proper cord ends installed by you.

Agreed.

is this a GREAT idea?

It's not a great idea... in fact a shitty one. But it "will work".

 

[MrDanky]

Dr. G makes some good points.

It appears that you think this whole set-up is going to be plug-n-play. It won't be. If nothing else, your cord ends will be different. You'd be better off to get some #8 bundled wire - three conductors + ground - cut to exactly the size you need with the proper cord ends installed by you.

That panel set-up you are showing is one photo superimposed over another over another. What you are showing in the pic has no relationship to the specs you've posted. You might be able to power 2k with that set-up, but 4k is dreaming.

PC

so what you are saying is that I should just buy the wire and make my own "30 amp extension cord?"

 

[badugi]

Yes, if the "extension cord" is the route you want to go. And the slack being > 10ft would make it more worthwhile.

 

[PharmaCan]

so what you are saying is that I should just buy the wire and make my own "30 amp extension cord?"

Yes.

PC

 

[omenman]

my shop sells that same box with 20 30 and 40 foot lines.... your best bet is make your own connection cable or find one...

 

[cyberthreat]

wouldn't you need to run 2 extensiion cord one to a 240 volt and a 120 volt plug

 

[badugi]

wouldn't you need to run 2 extensiion cord one to a 240 volt and a 120 volt plug

No, the timer / breaker box has 120v outlets.