Gotta run an extension cord. Is this setup safe?

[nachoconqueso]

I have 2 1000w that I want to run on an outlet (25' away) that my air conditioner uses (live in an apartment with limited wiring options). Can I put the 2 lights together from my flowering room across one 25' extension cord and split up the single 240v outlet so I can put the extension cord and a/c on that one outlet? The extension cord would be run on top of carpet too, but I'll put a sleeve on it meant for that purpose to protect it.

Also, the lights and a/c would rarely be run at the same time. Outlet is 20 amps, lights are 8.6, and the a/c says total amps heat total amps cool 7.3/7.6 with a recommended fuse of 15. Looks like a max total of 16.2. Should be good no matter what right?

Do I need a special box or anything to couple the 2 lights or is there something swanky with a timer built in? Thanks guys.

 

[dank.frank]

stay away from extension cords. I nearly burned my house down when one got too hot and decided to melt from plug to plug - fried the ballast too...and it was not a cheap one, and was properly sized / rated for the applied usage.

Other might tell you it is okay - I'll say it is risky at best.

DO NOT coil them up - keep them as straight as possible - this was part of my problem. Thought I was being clean and tidy and had the excess cord loosely coiled in about a 2 ft diameter...still BAD IDEA.

I'm VERY fortunate I was home at the time and smelt the burning / melting rubber.

Talk about PANIC - wait until you think you are about to burn your home down with an electrical fire - can't throw water on it...lol.

Ever since then, I've kept a currently dated (non-expired) fire extinguisher with in reach at a moments notice.

ALWAYS run 20% less than maximum load capacity on any circuit...is what I have been told since this experience.



dank.Frank

 

[Bennyweed1]

I am with frank but I understand the need or circumstance.

I too have to run an extension cord to split my lights so I am not loading just one breaker.

I have a 600 and a 400 running off a 20a breaker. The cord is heavy duty and is 10 gauge rated for a 20a load. I am loading it at around 9a at 120vac.

If you must do it keep it way under rated. Two 1000s on a single 240vac pole with the potential of A/C running would be to risky for my blood.

 

[budleydoright]

I rarely use extension cords but I often extend the reach of my outlets utilizing the proper size wire and rated connectors properly constructed and maintained.

Sounds like you have a basic understanding. Get a wiring book and increase the depth. You can read it in one sitting.

 

[LiLWaynE]

I would suggest studying up on electric work before you try to up your wattage

 

[drsmoke69]

first i must say that i am not "NOT" an electrician. that being said, buy some romex grounded wire 12/2 or 12/3 whatever you need and move the electrical outlet in your wall closer to where you need it so you don't need the extension cord. However your ballast should be plugged into a surge protector, which is like an extension cord. use pvc grey conduit and fittings and you can run it under or behind the baseboards if you want it out of sight.