My new UPS says not to use extension cable... why?

[Flyback]

Basically the room with my computers in it does not have any grounded sockets. Because of this, I have used an extension cable that extends from the other room which has a grounded outlet.

My new 1500 VA UPS from APC suggests that you do not use an extension cord with it. There is no explanation why.

Can anyone tell me why? I want to use it :/

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: Flyback
Basically the room with my computers in it does not have any grounded sockets. Because of this, I have used an extension cable that extends from the other room which has a grounded outlet.

My new 1500 VA UPS from APC suggests that you do not use an extension cord with it. There is no explanation why.

Can anyone tell me why? I want to use it :/

I think it is OK to use a Proper extension cord to power the incoming side of the UPS, just do not use an extension cord for the output side. An extension cord adds circuit resistance. Longer cord = increased resistance. Then again I would be careful how long the cord is going to the UPS also. A good heavy duty extension cord from the 3 prong grounded outlet to the UPS should be fine.

pcgeek11

 

[myocardia]

...

 

[Lord Evermore]

Originally posted by: myocardia
They all say that, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because they think you might use an extension cord with wires that are too small to supply the needed amperage(16 or 18 guage). Anyway, it only takes about 30 minutes to add a grounded plug to a room that doesn't have one, as long as you have a drill and a flathead screwdriver. It's very easy to do; I've done it myself.

As long as you have somewhere to ground it to...

And yes, it's just a safety thing. You would be stunned by some of the lashups people will use. Plus of course, there's a safety issue with running a cord between rooms.

25 or 50 feet with a medium gauge extension is no problem. (Although I found if you coil up the excess, it gets warm! And yes I know why.) I did this with one of my systems for a couple of years for the same reason (that and the circuit in my room was unreliable).

 

[WackyDan]

Get a good quality extension cord only the length you need to make it reach. Buy one with #12 wire and you'll be fine.

That said, extension cords are meant to be temporary, and elevate your risk of electrical mishaps like fires.

 

[nineball9]

An air conditioner extention cord would work fine, though most of them tend to be fairly short - generally 6 to 9 feet long.

 

[Flyback]

I'm looking to use something in the range of 25-30 feet, unfortunately. It is the only newer outlet available on the upper level which is grounded. I live in an older home.

 

[DNyholm]

DId you ever think of just changing the outlet to a grounded outlet? I would think there would be a ground wire in the outlet (most likely attached to a screw in the metal box so the whole outlet is grounded. All you have to do is get a new outlet that has a ground and hook it up the same way as the one there now (make sure you turn off the breaker first). If the entire box is grounded, just screwing a new outlet onto it will make it grounded as well. YOu will open the box and see a black wire, a white wire, and most likely a exposed copper wire (the ground).

 

[BladeVenom]

I use a heavy duty extension cord with mine, and have no problems. I would imagine a 1500 VA UPS would be too much for a cheap extension cord.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: DNyholm
DId you ever think of just changing the outlet to a grounded outlet? I would think there would be a ground wire in the outlet (most likely attached to a screw in the metal box so the whole outlet is grounded. All you have to do is get a new outlet that has a ground and hook it up the same way as the one there now (make sure you turn off the breaker first). If the entire box is grounded, just screwing a new outlet onto it will make it grounded as well. YOu will open the box and see a black wire, a white wire, and most likely a exposed copper wire (the ground).

I'm not electrical and won't pretend to be. Doing such thing would likely electrocute me I might see if my father can do it next time he is in town.

Until then I will just use an extension cord.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: Lord Evermore
I found if you coil up the excess, it gets warm!

Yes, don't do that -- it can cause a fire in some cases.

 

[Jiggz]

With a 1500VA rating @110V the amperage will be around 13.5 amps. A gauge 14 wire has a rated ampacity of 20 amps (75 degrees F) with a safe currant carrying capacity of 15 amps. And an extension cord of 25 feet or more with a #14 wire will cost way more than installing a grounded receptacle (less than $1.00 for the receptacle at walmart!).

 

[Lord Evermore]

But you should always have a nice long extension cord laying around anyway.

 

[Thegonagle]

For that length, I'd be sure to buy 14 ga. or thicker. (*Smaller* number ga. == thicker wire. I know it's counterintuitive, but it's also true.)

Beware that many Heavy Duty LOOKING orange cords that seem like such a bargain are only a bargain because they're actually light duty cords, 16 ga. or narrower, masquerading as heavy duty cords. A good cord that length will probably be $8-12. If it's much cheaper than that, they're probably skimping on the copper. Read the specs before you buy.