extension cords for HID ballasts?

[illchemist]

Is it possible to run a heavy duty extension cord to power a ballast which needs to be placed on another side of a small room? Can this be done with both digital and analog ballasts?

many thanks!

 

[reckon]

I got a 15 foot 20 amp dryer cord (standard 115V 3 prong grounded plug ends), and a 20 amp GFCI outlet from home-de-pot and I use the hong kong phooey 15amp double outlet digital timer everyone else here on IC does,.....I'm running a 1K HPS (standard mag ballast),....I run the cord from the outlet to a small plastic panel where I mounted the timer, and the light ballast plugs directly into the timer,...I also run the light mover on that same timer (the mover draws less than half an amp)

mine runs COLD to the touch everywhere, not even warm at the back of the timer, or at the outlet, or anywhere on the cord so I know it's not overloaded.

 

[Gdood9]

I've got a 50ft extension cord on one right now cause I ran out of plugs...yea, I'm working on it. Anyway, works fine. I don't know what amps or anything but I know it's orange. Honestly, I think I trust the extension cord more than the wiring running through my house.

 

[ZackMorris]

I run a few extension cords. I did some research and the consensus seems to be as long as the cord stays cool then youre cool.

 

[dekab247]

cords?

cords?

Hi,

Running cool, or not hot to the touch isn't bad. Yet should consider this also. Really try not to run an extension cord, but we all sometimes must dio something we don't wish. Try to keep the length down to as short as possible. Also a more heavy guage cord. Say a minimum 12ga wire. It helps to not drop the current going thru the cord. I know many others have been ok running lesser gauge wire, but this is just my 2cents. Be safe...peace...

 

[maryanne3087]

12-14gauge extension cords work try to get the size you need as using a 50ft cord when you only need 15 ft isn`t a good idea.

Find them at any hardware store.

 

[OMountainMix]

We had to do it for quite a while, even had one running downstairs and another upstairs to a bathroom. Our grow is not wired very sensibly. You want really high quality extension cords, you want to check them regularly, etc.

Better is to find someone you trust to run another circuit. That's what we did last fall. Ran three 20 amp circuits up through the wall and the attic. Then again, that person or you or someone ALSO has to know how to fix the drywall. Our partner fortunately can do all those things, so we're lucky . . . . .

 

[maryanne3087]

Good help should be the only help.