Who uses an extension cord for their rigs?

[ben8jam]

How safe is it to power a rig via an extension cord to a 20A plug? If the cord is an AC rated cord at 1600W and the rig is two 750W PSUs?

[MATHReX]

I think it's more than safe, as the extension cord has a failsafe when it hits more than 1600W and your Both 750W PSU collectively ~ 1500W will face no problems. Moreover, you won't be pushing PSUs to more than 80% limit, so it goes down to 1200W.

[ben8jam]

I think it's more than safe, as the extension cord has a failsafe when it hits more than 1600W and your Both 750W PSU collectively ~ 1500W will face no problems. Moreover, you won't be pushing PSUs to more than 80% limit, so it goes down to 1200W.

Thanks! Yes, exactly, they are running at 1200W combined. Going to get a 9ft Air Conditioner rated extension. Wish I had more confident electrician skills, the plug I need access to is on the other side of the drywall.

What failsafe is built into cords?

[adaseb]

If you are using 120V and you are powering 2 PSUs each 750Watts then just use 2 seperate extension cables plugged into the same outlet instead of just using one.

The current will be much lower and less resistance in the lines. But technically you can use 1400-1500W on 1 cable as long as its not too long and 12-14 AWG

[fury420]

So long as you use a quality extension cord of sufficient wire gauge you should be fine, just try to minimize excess length as the longer the run the thicker gauge you will need.
Or you could go with longer cables direct to the PSU (C13 connector), I got some nice thick 10ft and 15ft ones from monoprice when I was picking up PDU cabling.

[alucard20724]

i use them.. one computer per extension, and i try to keep it under 1000 watts.   12gauge extension cables from costco.  packs of 2 for $34.99

[Elder III]

We use surge protectors rated at 1875 watts for our 20 Amp circuits in the house and commercial grade PDUs out in our computer room in our barn (2 20 Amp 120v PDUs and 1 40 Amp 240v PDU). At first we were using some Belkin surge protectors rated at 1800 watts, but they couldn't handle being run with 1000-1400 watts on them 24/7.... 4 out of 5 started tripping randomly after 4-6 weeks use each. Now we're using commercial grade products... costs more, but they're built to handle the load.

[ben8jam]

If you are using 120V and you are powering 2 PSUs each 750Watts then just use 2 seperate extension cables plugged into the same outlet instead of just using one.

The current will be much lower and less resistance in the lines. But technically you can use 1400-1500W on 1 cable as long as its not too long and 12-14 AWG

The only option at home depot was 9ft 14 awg or 25ft 14 or 12 awg. I have two 20-amp outlets I need to run power from (have to cut a hole in the wall) for two 7 GPU dual 750W's. One outlet is just on the other side but the other is about 10ft.

But I guess it makes more sense to use one cable per 750W PSU per outlet (for a total of 4 extension cords) but do you use then one surge protector strip per extension cord?

If I was more comfortable with electricity, I would simply wire a new outlet right off the existing on the other side of the wall...

[bucketofsocks]

In household wiring the lower the number the more current it can handle. So get the thickest lowest number cord you can find even if its longer. The weakest point in any circuit is the connection, after running for a few hours feel the cords near each connection, if they are even slightly warm you need a better cord. Once you're satisfied that there is no heat build up at the connections tape them with good quality electrical tape to prevent any loosening over time. I've been pulling more than 1000w through a 12ga cord for over a year without issue.

Also never run an extension cord through a wall, always go around and try not to make any super tight bends.

[ltcsprite]

I have over 10 Tripp lite surge protectors.

All connected to rigs.

Rated UL1449 3rd Edition and UL1363 Lifetime Warranty and $25,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance for connected devices.

Only ones I use.

[topgeek]

Extension cords are rated by gauge - if you are at home depot for example, the corner of each box on the shelf says its gauge.

Buy a 10 gauge for 30 amps
Buy a 12 gauge for 20 amps
Buy a 14 gauge for 15 amps
Buy a 16 gauge only for low current things.

[GMPoison]

Just use the correct extension cord for the job and there's nothing to fear.

[ben8jam]

Also never run an extension cord through a wall, always go around and try not to make any super tight bends.

That's exactly what I was planning on doing. Cutting a hole through the drywall (it's only the garage). There is safety hazard in doing this?

[KougarLOB]

Also never run an extension cord through a wall, always go around and try not to make any super tight bends.

That's exactly what I was planning on doing. Cutting a hole through the drywall (it's only the garage). There is safety hazard in doing this?

Against building codes.  Generally, all AC cords should be visible to inspection in case the jacket begins to degrade, crack, etc.  PVC jackets will degrade over time (30+ years).  Low voltage DC is okay to install in hidden areas like above a drop ceiling.  I investigated this when installing network switches at work.  It was okay to create an outlet in conduit above the ceiling with the switch's wall adapter directly connected to it.  No AC cords left the receptacle.

AC wires running through walls must should be of proper materials for your area: Romex or shielded conduit.

Edit: Just read  "it's only the garage."  To be in line with with building codes, any holes cut from the interior of the home to the garage needs a fireproof sealer around the cable/conduit since you are breaching the garage firewall.  Do or do not is your call.  Just pointing out things from personal experience.  You may have problems with such modifications if an inspector sees then when you try to sell your home.

[toptek]

not me for the rigs but do for my router , switches or what is not mining the coins direct ...I Guess because my miners are on a 220 line and gonna have at least one more 220 put in by the end of the summer if not two ..then my 200 amp service will be maxed or to the max i want to take it .

[adaseb]

Also never run an extension cord through a wall, always go around and try not to make any super tight bends.

That's exactly what I was planning on doing. Cutting a hole through the drywall (it's only the garage). There is safety hazard in doing this?

Basically you shouldn't because its probably not up to code, the wires need ventilation so they don't melt, and extension cables are never suppose to be used permanently; they are for temp use only. However I am pretty sure 99% of all miners violate that rule anyways.

[ben8jam]

Edit: Just read  "it's only the garage."  To be in line with with building codes, any holes cut from the interior of the home to the garage needs a fireproof sealer around the cable/conduit since you are breaching the garage firewall.  Do or do not is your call.  Just pointing out things from personal experience.  You may have problems with such modifications if an inspector sees then when you try to sell your home.

The garage is actually a freestanding building with a finished "room" attached to the side. There is definitely no firewall in there. Just framing (and a shit load of insulation as the previous owner had used it as a recording studio). I plan to cut a square in both pieces of drywall and remove the insulation so while it might not be code worthy, it would be fairly safe and easily visible for any wear. I can then put the piece of drywall back when done and patch it back up.

[bathrobehero]

Just get the thickest cords you can and forget about it. With thin cords you'll both lose voltage over distance and if its getting close to the limit it will heat up which is both wasting electricity and can be dangerous.

And DO NOT coil the cords if they're too long.

I used 1.5mm (15awg) extensions cords rated for 3680 watts (16A, 230V) over about 50 meters and they got 60-70°C under constant load of about 2800-3000 watts and had a major voltage drop at the end.

I replaced them with 4mm (6 awg) cords and there's no voltage drop at all and they're super cool.

Pointless to try get the bare minimum that works. Instead just get one better and be safe.

[philipma1957]

Edit: Just read  "it's only the garage."  To be in line with with building codes, any holes cut from the interior of the home to the garage needs a fireproof sealer around the cable/conduit since you are breaching the garage firewall.  Do or do not is your call.  Just pointing out things from personal experience.  You may have problems with such modifications if an inspector sees then when you try to sell your home.

The garage is actually a freestanding building with a finished "room" attached to the side. There is definitely no firewall in there. Just framing (and a shit load of insulation as the previous owner had used it as a recording studio). I plan to cut a square in both pieces of drywall and remove the insulation so while it might not be code worthy, it would be fairly safe and easily visible for any wear. I can then put the piece of drywall back when done and patch it back up.

Get a hole saw four inch cut two four inch holes.

Fit a four inch pvc pipe in the Holes .

Run the cord in that four inch pipe.

It is not code,but it is mechanically sound.
Ie it won't pass inspection and if you have a fire the insurance won't pay.
But it is mechanically sound.

Which means it sound work safely.  Use 10 or 12 gauge cords.
Check for heat every week .

[ben8jam]

Fit a four inch pvc pipe in the Holes .

That's a nifty idea. I like it.