Question Extending the length of the AC power plug/adapter for an external HDD (enclosure)...

[Turbonium]

I'm going to be plugging the enclosure/drive into a UPS (if it matters); the included cord length on the enclosure's power plug is very short, so I need to extend it somehow if I want to place it in the spot I want.

Will any normal extension cord do? What do I need to watch out for here?

Enclosure plug specs...

Input: 120-240V 0.8A
Output: 12V 2A 24W

If it matters, the drive inside the enclosure is a relatively low power 5,400rpm SATA drive.

 

[pcgeek11]

That is not in any way going to effect the HDD Drive or enclosure.
Get an extension cord and have a ball.

 

[Turbonium]

That is not in any way going to effect the HDD Drive or enclosure.
Get an extension cord and have a ball.

I'm more concerned about things like the potential effects of daisychaining power cords (even to such a small degree), especially when combined with a UPS.

 

[pcgeek11]

I'm more concerned about things like the potential effects of daisychaining power cords (even to such a small degree), especially when combined with a UPS.

Trust me as long as it isn't miles long and of good quality you will not have an issue.

 

[Turbonium]

Trust me as long as it isn't miles long and of good quality you will not have an issue.

OK, but feel free to get technical. I'm curious about this kinda stuff.

I mean, I'd imagine daisychaining 10 good quality cords would be a bad thing, due to some resistance building up or something.

 

[pcgeek11]

OK, but feel free to get technical. I'm curious about this kinda stuff.

I mean, I'd imagine daisychaining 10 good quality cords would be a bad thing, due to some resistance building up or something.

Yes it would be an issue with a large load. We are discussing a Drive enclosure and associated drive which doesn't draw any load at all. extending it 6 - 10 feet isn't going to make any difference at all.

 

[In2Photos]

It's 0.8 A on the 120VAC side. So there's barely any current draw. Companies don't want you daisy chaining cords because they can't guarantee the condition or quality of the cord. So it's easier to just say "don't do it". For a UPS any long cord plugged into the battery side will lower its ability to provide backup power as the cord itself would also be a "load" on the system.

 

[pcgeek11]

Does The Length Of An Extension Cord Affect The Power?

An electrical extension cord is an ideal way to elongate multiple circuits to spaces you are operating on, away from static outlets. But why do we need one in the first place? It might be because of extended electrical operations. Besides, sometimes you only require a small cord to plug in your...

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Relationship Of Extension Cord with Power

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[Turbonium]

Yes it would be an issue with a large load. We are discussing a Drive enclosure and associated drive which doesn't draw any load at all. extending it 6 - 10 feet isn't going to make any difference at all.

Oh for sure.

It's 0.8 A on the 120VAC side. So there's barely any current draw. Companies don't want you daisy chaining cords because they can't guarantee the condition or quality of the cord. So it's easier to just say "don't do it". For a UPS any long cord plugged into the battery side will lower its ability to provide backup power as the cord itself would also be a "load" on the system.

Interesting, especially that last bit about the UPS. Makes sense when I think about it, since it has more cable to "push" the power through. Though I would imagine a "measly" 6 ft. cord would barely make a difference, practically speaking, especially when the external HDD would be shut down quickly in any case of power loss, as the UPS is only being used to prevent unplanned loss of power, not actual use during no power.

Does The Length Of An Extension Cord Affect The Power?

An electrical extension cord is an ideal way to elongate multiple circuits to spaces you are operating on, away from static outlets. But why do we need one in the first place? It might be because of extended electrical operations. Besides, sometimes you only require a small cord to plug in your...

www.americord.com

In Electrical Cords, Size Matters

Outdoors, electrical extension cords are part of the backyard landscape, powering everything from hedge trimmers to power saws to drink mixers, and even electric lawnmowers. Indoors, they're used for temporary power needs from basement to attic.

copper.org

Relationship Of Extension Cord with Power

Alt text – relationship of extension cord with power Your house is made of various components that determine its compactness, security, and stability. Like bricks and mortars that provide a foundation to the house, other features like wiring, plumbing, water, gas supply, and storage enable...

www.americord.com

I'll look into these, thnx.

 

[In2Photos]

Though I would imagine a "measly" 6 ft. cord would barely make a difference, practically speaking,

In this case even a really poorly made cable with very small wire would probably be fine. There just isn't enough load to create a problem. As the load increases and/or the length of the extension cable increases, the better the cord needs to be.