Extension cord help

[AndreNicky]

Heres the deal im running a 1k watt light and fans on a standard 50 foot grounded orange extension cord(not too sure on gauge), the fans are running 24 hours and the light is on 12/12. The extension cord runs off its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. After 12 hours with everything on the female part of the extension cord gets pretty hot too the touch but still pretty bearable, when only fan and dehumidifier are running the female part has bearly any noticebale heat(if any at all). I'm just wondering if this is a major hazard? Should i look into getting a 12 gauge extension or possibly shorter cord? Just lookin for some feedback before i burn down my house lol

 

[Pseudo]

12 gauge 25' cord ----$20
not burning your house down ----priceless

 

[sparkjumper]

If your wires are hot enough to feel through the female cordcap of the extension cord I'd definately say there is a safety issue.

 

[NorCalFor20]

i would check out getting something like at least 12 ga for that power application....

12 awg wires usually rated for 1875 watts.....

i would stick to 25 or 15 even 10 feet if u can reach....

i say ur pushing it.... u need to get a bigger thicker extension cord. I would recommend at least 14 ga if not 12... the packaging on your ext. cord will tell you the watts rating that it is made for never go over 75% rated capacity....

 

[wastekan]

Change it out NOW ....

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

if ONLY the female receptacle heats up you can get a heavy duty replacement from the hardware store. if the cord itself heats up, you either need to decrease length, increase gauge or both.

the receptacle conductors in most home extension cords are designed for temporary use only. I burned through one in less than two years with electric yard tools. the hardware store replacement is a better 24/7 app imo.

 

[JQP]

Go with a 12 gauge soon as you can. You got a potential fire hazard going there. Any time a wire or plug end feels hot, deal with it right away. One of the criticisms about indoor growers in CA lately is about all the fires from indoor grows! Good luck! JQ

 

[Hydro-Soil]

12 gauge 25' cord ----$20
not burning your house down ----priceless

When the cord gets hot the resistance increases, causing more heat in the wire. This drops the total wattage that can be safely handled.

Definitely go with a 12guage 25' cord. It's a big heavy bastard but you won't be starting any fires. That's a good thing!

 

[Hold Your Fire]

I use a 10 ga. 25 footer for my 1000w hps, if I need it. Get the biggest ga. you can afford. A cord now or fire later. What do you think is more cost effective.

 

[TroubleGuy]

Not only do you have a dangerous safety hazard, but with a 50 foot cord you're losing power to your equipment. The longer electricity travels in the wire, the less power it gives your equipment. I don't remember the exact details but I can look it up if you'd like me to.