Electrical question. Any electricians on here?

[Dr. Dendrostein]

let the breaker do its job. IMO the wire is the least of your problems its the connection or a poor connection, thats were the heat is generated and will break down your device. its all about the $$$$, cheap connector = cheap performance.
If a receptacle or plug is loose, CHANGE IT! ...If it ain't tight.....

Nice visual

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

The extension cord is rated to 13A or 1625W so it would be fine for this application imo. They should do a better job providing that information since, as you point out, wire gauge (ampacity) is a critical piece of information for an extension cord. Not one that should take digging.


I would disagree with this. It is almost impossible to generate an electrical arc in salt water at 120V. I see little value in installing an AFCI unless you are only worried about salt creep or spray near a cord connection.
If AFCI protection is desired I feel it is better to provide that using a breaker in the panel than an outlet near the tank.

Also using one at the breaker, AFCI breaker models very limited. That's why outlet type recommend, especially not knowing which type of breakers in home, Pusha-Matic, Zinsco, are some you won't fine in AFCI type.

 

[HuneyBear]

The extension cord is rated to 13A or 1625W so it would be fine for this application imo. They should do a better job providing that information since, as you point out, wire gauge (ampacity) is a critical piece of information for an extension cord. Not one that should take digging.


I would disagree with this. It is almost impossible to generate an electrical arc in salt water at 120V. I see little value in installing an AFCI unless you are only worried about salt creep or spray near a cord connection.
If AFCI protection is desired I feel it is better to provide that using a breaker in the panel than an outlet near the tank.

let the breaker do its job. IMO the wire is the least of your problems its the connection or a poor connection, thats were the heat is generated and will break down your device. its all about the $$$$, cheap connector = cheap performance.
If a receptacle or plug is loose, CHANGE IT! ...If it ain't tight.....

I look at the combination of these 2 statements is why I said my answer honestly. There are many on here with more knowledge than I ,and I accept that. I would not trust an amazon cord with it. That is just my 2 penny’s.

 

[Paul B]

The worst extension cord you can buy (legally) would be 18 gauge wire. That would easily carry 300 watts, unless you make your own extension cord out of telephone wire or paper clips. That may cause a problem.

 

[siggy]

The worst extension cord you can buy (legally) would be 18 gauge wire. That would easily carry 300 watts,

Then granny plugs in her electric blanket and heating pad, that's when the problems start and a 20 amp breaker isn't going to help.

 

[aslmx]

It really doesn’t matter what watts you are pulling now, you need to plan for a failure and that goes back to your breaker. All a breaker does is protect the wire.