Proper extension cord for controller powerbar

[mfollen]

Hey everyone!

I need to find an extension cord that can safely support and power the maximum power capacity of a GHL powerbar 5.1 (15amps 1800 va).

Are there any recommendations on what sort of cords I should look for? Any I should not look for? I could use any advice here. Thank you so much!

 

[mfollen]

Would this work?

1875 MAX Watts ,15 Amps,125V

I’m not sure if that meets the 1800va max capacity of the powerbar.

As you can tell I know nothing about power handling.

Thank you.

 

[JDowns]

The extension cord should list the rating. 1800 (VA) is 15 (Amps) at 120V. So that should be fine.

How long is your extension?

 

[dantimdad]

A bit personal @JDowns

 

[mfollen]

Thanks @JDowns and thanks for the laugh @dantimdad

15’ extension.

 

[dantimdad]

Thanks @JDowns and thanks for the laugh @dantimdad

15’ extension.

Now I feel inadequate.

 

[JDowns]

Thanks @JDowns and thanks for the laugh @dantimdad

15’ extension.

You can probably get away with 16 gauge at that distance. But 12 gauge would give me peace of mind against faulty equipment going into the powerbar. The cost difference at that length is negligible.

Now I feel inadequate.

. You and me both! I'm going to go back home and get out of these sneakers and throw on a pair of Lucchese's to boost my moral.

 

[ca1ore]

12 gauge ideally (that’s code for in the wall 20A circuits); 14 minimum.

 

[dantimdad]

My tank is run by one 12' 14 gauge extension to a 15a outlet. I ran it by @Brew12 before I wired it up.

 

[Brew12]

12 gauge ideally (that’s code for in the wall 20A circuits); 14 minimum.

I would agree with this. I could safely run my GHL power bars off of 18 gauge because most of my loads are smaller. If you think you will come close to the 15A I would run 12 gauge. If you think current will be under 10A I would consider 14 gauge acceptable.

 

[mfollen]

Will a 14 gauge work for the 6’ extension cord? I ordered that earlier. I also ordered a 12 gauge for the 15’ extension cord.

Thank you!!

 

[Brew12]

Will a 14 gauge work for the 6’ extension cord? I ordered that earlier. I also ordered a 12 gauge for the 15’ extension cord.

Thank you!!

Yup, should be just fine.

 

[mfollen]

Awesome. Thanks @Brew12

 

[ca1ore]

I don’t doubt that most will find this a bit excessive .... but I actually make my own high gauge extension cords with materials from partsexpress. OK, not if I’m just extending a table lamp, but for any of my home audio or reef tank needs I make them.