Aquarium equipment on extension cord

[Barry_Cuda]

So... I've discovered I have a slight problem with the location I've been planning to put my tank. I don't have an outlet where I thought I did, and the nearest one is about 12 feet away. I'm currently planning to install a GFCI-equipped outlet at that location and run an extension cord to get me close enough that I can hang a power strip on the wall near the tank location. Is there a safety reason I shouldn't do this? I know permanent use of extension cords is frowned up on in commercial/industrial use, but I don't know the reasons.

 

[ca1ore]

I think as long as you use one rated for the required load, you will be fine. Heavy duty home extension cords generally are at 14 gauge, which is acceptable for a 15 amp load. You might even be able to find a 12 gauge/20 amp cord, but I usually just make my own.

I have a couple of my apex EB8 on 14 gauge extension cords.

 

[Barry_Cuda]

I think as long as you use one rated for the required load, you will be fine. Heavy duty home extension cords generally are at 14 gauge, which is acceptable for a 15 amp load. You might even be able to find a 12 gauge/20 amp cord, but I usually just make my own.

I have a couple of my apex EB8 on 14 gauge extension cords.

 

[Barry_Cuda]

Whoops, forgot to write in my followup question. Thanks for this! How can I calculate the amp load I need to support? I'm sure there's a formula for this involving voltage and wattage and everything, but I don't really know how this works.

 

[rkpetersen]

Yup, should be fine; 12' isn't that far. If you're concerned about the possibility of accidental disconnects, you can always use a cord lock, like this or similar.

 

[rkpetersen]

Whoops, forgot to write in my followup question. Thanks for this! How can I calculate the amp load I need to support? I'm sure there's a formula for this involving voltage and wattage and everything, but I don't really know how this works.

Combined maximum wattage of all the equipment connected, divide by your wall voltage (typically around 115), and round up to the nearest whole number; that's the minimal amps your extension cord needs to be rated for. Unless your aquarium is a massive energy hog, it shouldn't be an issue. For example, one of my 100g reefs, with a lot of equipment but heaters not running at the moment, is currently drawing 306 watts at 113 volts. So 306/113 = 2.7 amps, rounding to 3 amps. Over half of that is LED lights. However if the heaters were both on, the wattage and amps would more than double. Still, nowhere near the capacity of an undamaged extension cord.

 

[ca1ore]

If you want to calculate amps, each of the devices you connect probably will say in the instructions. Otherwise Google the formula (that's what I'd have to do LOL). Either way, the vast majority of power strips are 15 amps, so a 14 gauge cord will suffice.