ballast threw extension cord?

is there anything wrong with running a 1000w hps threw a 30foot extension cord? does it draw more power from the wall since it has to travel farther? if so would that be a lot of extra power?

It won't change the amount of power used but it could heat up the extension cord making it unsafe if it's not strong enough.

The only time that would be acceptable is if the power cord was rated equal or heavier than the load being pulled. A 1000 watt light pulls approx 9 amps. That's a strong pull for a single bulb. When the bulb first fires up, it'll draw more than that. To be safe, I'd have to recommend at a minimum, 14 awg extension cord, no longer than 25' or a 12 awg running no further than 40-45'

as long as you are not using a cheap 16 or 18 gauge extension cord, you should be alright.

Heavy duty 12 gauge for sure dude.

420God said:

It won't change the amount of power used but it could heat up the extension cord making it unsafe if it's not strong enough.

Click to expand...

Depending on the situation.

Voltage drop WILL occur to some extent.

I've read you don't want to extend the ballasts past 15 feet from an outlet. Anymore and you may have troubles with the electrical flow or powering the bulb right. Thats just what I've read. In any case, buy the heaviest duty cord you can get.

I have a 250w/400w ballast on a digital timer that's on a surge protector with a few pumps and a fan, that goes to a 15 foot extention of medium quality. Should I be worried at these wattages about fire? I'll probably go buy a shorter/heavier extention cord, though.

edit- did I bump a year old thread? My bad