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re: Electrical question Re: extension cord -> power strip.

Posted on 11/24/18 at 10:18 am to
Posted by pankReb
Defending National Champs Fan
Member since Mar 2009
64979 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 10:18 am to
It definitely would but I'd rather not have to wait for delivery. I can't find any of those on Home Depot or Lowe's websites.

Plus I already have one 25' extension cord that I've bought.
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98754 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 10:31 am to
If you installed it yourself would they really notice you have aother outlet?
Posted by alphaandomega
Tuscaloosa-Here to Serve
Member since Aug 2012
13788 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 10:35 am to
If you buy a 10ga extension cord you will probably be ok. But get your wallet ready. 50' is $108

Probably.

Or you could cause a fire and die in your sleep. And kill all your neighbors.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Pro-50-ft-20-Amp-125-Volt-10-Gauge-Yellow-Outdoor-Generator-Cord/3191749
Posted by theicebox
Member since Oct 2017
710 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 10:40 am to
Yeah, what can go wrong.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 11:38 am to
I would use a properly sized extension cord and not worry about it, but another alternative is using surface mounted conduit and outlet box, and pull the proper size wire through it. Mount a dual outlet box behind your equipment, run conduit along the base board to the nearest outlet. They make a adapter that lets you pull out a existing outlet and remount it in a frame that extends the outlet away from the wall about an inch, it has a exit port to attach conduit. Mount it all with some plastic drywall anchors and paint it to match the wall, can be easily removed and patched up when you move out. This stuff is available at Lowes or Home Depot and is the stuff made of gray PVC.
Posted by pankReb
Defending National Champs Fan
Member since Mar 2009
64979 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 12:11 pm to
quote:


I would use a properly sized extension cord and not worry about it,


16 gauge good enough?

quote:

another alternative is using surface mounted conduit and outlet box, and pull the proper size wire through it. Mount a dual outlet box behind your equipment, run conduit along the base board to the nearest outlet. They make a adapter that lets you pull out a existing outlet and remount it in a frame that extends the outlet away from the wall about an inch, it has a exit port to attach conduit. Mount it all with some plastic drywall anchors and paint it to match the wall, can be easily removed and patched up when you move out. This stuff is available at Lowes or Home Depot and is the stuff made of gray PVC.



Not a bad idea.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 9:01 pm to
quote:

I would use a properly sized extension cord and not worry about it,


quote:

16 gauge good enough?


The only way to determine that is to know the total current load that will be pluged into the extension cord, the length of the cord needed, and plug it into a wire size calculator such as this,

LINK

When they ask for 1/2 of the total circuit length that will be the total length of the cord, since the total circuit is from one end of the cord to the other end and back.
Posted by LSUtigerME
Walker, LA
Member since Oct 2012
3817 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 9:09 pm to
16 Gauge is light IMO.

The conduit is a great idea, but the extension cord should be fine. The main issue with extension cords, apart from the length/amps already discussed, is routing them where they get damaged from foot traffic or under rugs, etc.
Posted by Kirk Herbstreit
in the outhouse
Member since Jan 2005
5835 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 9:40 pm to
Do you have renters insurance? I would also check your rental agreement or lease and your insurance policy to make sure you aren’t left holding the bag if something bad happened.
Posted by THRILLHO
Metry, LA
Member since Apr 2006
49541 posts
Posted on 11/24/18 at 11:25 pm to
quote:

The one I have is rated for over 1600 watts and I really don't think I'll ever pull that much from it.



Depends on the computer and "speakers" mostly. Are we talking speakers that run off your PC, or an amplifier + floor standing speakers?

Assuming that you have 20A circuit breakers in your panel, a #12awg extension cord would be the safest bet. A 20A CB would trip before the wire burns up.
Posted by Maytheporkbewithyou
Member since Aug 2016
12683 posts
Posted on 11/25/18 at 1:30 am to
What's on the other side of the wall you want to move to? Maybe you get lucky and there might be an outlet you can tie in to.

It's not hard to wire up a new outlet.
Posted by pankReb
Defending National Champs Fan
Member since Mar 2009
64979 posts
Posted on 11/25/18 at 6:12 am to
quote:


Depends on the computer and "speakers" mostly. Are we talking speakers that run off your PC, or an amplifier + floor standing speakers?


they're kind of small 2.1 speakers. The sub has it's own power supply.

btw there's an outlet on another wall that I'm considering but the problem is that it doesn't have a ground. Calling maintenance Monday to see about getting them to replace it.
Posted by westom
Member since May 2015
32 posts
Posted on 11/25/18 at 8:02 am to
It is not cheap cords or undersizing. Problem is extension cords move and are exposed. So arc fault breakers were created. Too many bedrooms used extension cords that moved too much, were crushed, etc. Therefore fires resulted.

An extension cord - all of them - is only for temporary service. Typically 30 days.

AC receptacle can only safely provide 15 amps. Any power expansion device must have a 15 amp circuit breaker.

Plug-in surge protectors, with near zero joules, are another fire hazard especially if not protected by a properly earthed 'whole house' solution. If using a power strip, best is to have no protector parts (that can even make appliance damage easier) and always has that circuit breaker.
This post was edited on 11/25/18 at 8:04 am
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
17917 posts
Posted on 11/25/18 at 8:17 am to
Why not Putin the proper outlet
Posted by BR Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2004
4157 posts
Posted on 11/25/18 at 8:54 am to
quote:

Why not Putin the proper outlet



Let’s not Russian to anything, comrade.
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