Is amperage the number i need to worry about?

[punx777]

Hey all, I'm gettin a 400w (3.8 Amps) hps and ballast soon, along with a .97 amp 6" centrifugal fan.. I have a small water pump and a small air pump and a 4 and 6 " inline fan.... Anyway, would it be bad to run this all on a single extention cord with a nice surge protector? I think a decent cord is rated for 15-20 amps so i should be well under the amp limit...


Also, on the surge protectors i looked at, there was no mention of amps, only jouls(spelling) Anyone got advice?

 

[rebelweed]

1 watt = 1 joule per second
3.8 amp x 120 volt = 456 watt

There shouldn't be any problems running the setup you suggest, just make sure the fuse and cordage is dimensioned correctly (have a high enough amperage).

 

[FreezerBoy]

I'm doing much the same with a 250. Less than you but, not much. If the Ext Cord is 14 gauge (same as interior wall wiring) you'll be OK.

 

[punx777]

Very nice guys.... I was going to plug a new power socket in my closet thru the cieling, Or maby ill just attach an extention cord to it directly and then plug a surge protector into it... should be simple.. then my extention cord wont have to come outside my closet door

 

[Vetus Fossor]

Make sure it's a dedicated line, pun. Find out everything else on the circuit you are planning on using.
What is the amperage of the breaker on the line you are using? Work under the 80% rule to be safe. 20 amps= 16 amps to use. 15 amps= 12amps. etc.

 

[sparkjumper]

In a word absolutely yes.Nameplate amperage rating is all you should be concerned with when sizing wire and devices.

 

[Sloppy Seconds]

Spark that thing up and let it run for a while (15 min) then feel your extention cord to see if its hot near the outlet, if not your fine if hot your not. Good luck.

 

[Weedman Herb]

http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm For future reference if you need to convert ...