Watt Halogen Light
What extension cord rating/gauge do I need to power a 1000 watt halogen work light?
I need to light an area that's approximately 70 feet away from the nearest power outlet and would like to do so with the 1000 watt halogen light I have. Here's a link to the model I've got: http://bit.ly/aSHVa1
While the manual warns up and down not to use this with extension cords that don't have a high enough rating, nowhere does it say what that rating actually is. The manual and the tags on the lights don't list the voltage or amps anywhere, just the 1000 watts, although similar lights by other companies seem to be mostly 120 volts and 8 amps. The guy I talked to at Home Depot said I'd probably need a 12 gauge 100 foot extension cord ($75.00, the most expensive one there) but I really don't want to pay that much, especially since this is going to be for a one time use only. So what gauge extension cord would I likely need to power this thing safely?
OK.. Here is the formula for current: Watts = volt*amps so, amps = watts/volts.
Your light will draw (1000w/120v =) 8.33A. The current drawn is limited by the light.
The wiring in your house uses 14awg wire for 15amps, and there isn't a limit on length within the house. But, the longer the wire, the less voltage you'll get at the light. The wire size determines how much voltage will be lost (dropped) in the cable, and that turns into wasted heat and warm cables. The main thing is for the house not to burn down.. that's what that's all about.
You will be fine with a 16awg cord. The ends may get warm, especially if the terminals are dirty... but that is for any size cord. The light's brightness may be noticeably dimmer than if you plug it directly into the wall, and if that is an issue, go up to 14awg... but safety isn't an issue.
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Light Housing w/ 12 Volt/20 Watt Halogen Lamp and Switch
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