Using Extension Cords Long Term. Dangerous?

Just wondering if I am doing anything dangerous.

I have two 1000 watters in mylar tents. The equipment for each tent is connected to its own power bar. Each power bar is connected to its own 50-foot extension cord. Both cords run to the same socket (which has 2 plugs; 1 used by each extension cord). This wall outlet is on a 15 amp fuse and nothing but the light, ballast and fans run on the circuit/fuse.

The extension cords I have are rated for around 1700 watts (can't remember the exact number but it was up there) and have a gauge that is somewhere in between medium and large. As the two 1000 watter tents are only ever on 12/12, I run them alternately. 130 watts in fans are on 24/7 in each tent. So basically, I have each extension cord drawing 1130 watts for twelve hours and 130 watts for another 12; the two extension cords swap this arrangement every 12 hours, meaning the 15 amp fuse is seeing a constant draw of 1260 watts.

I've had this setup going for months without any issues. But I'm wondering if there are risks long term. I want this in place for the foreseeable future. Years probably. Is it only a matter of time until I have some kind of problem with this setup (i.e., a melted wire and potential fire). The extension cord feels pretty warm to the touch for maybe the first two feet from the socket and then it feels normal temperature. It also feels warm at the end of the extension cord where my power bar connects.

Should I be worried about anything? Will I risk damage over time?

Thanks

When you buy your cord it says what it is rated for, dont cheap out on extension cords and also 50 ft might be a bit long. But I dont know nothing and I was wondering the same thing not that long ago when my stuff was hot. I rearrange since to share the load but I know what you mean, it can be worrisome. BUMP for more inputs!

If its getting hot to the touch that is dangerous. Take it from someone wo has lost'a house and everything they own to fire...be careful that was my bedroom

Shivaskunk said:

If its getting hot to the touch that is dangerous. Take it from someone wo has lost'a house and everything they own to fire...be carefulView attachment 2327029 that was my bedroom

Click to expand...

how did that start?

I thought it was normal for an extension cord to feel a little warm for the first few feet, especially when it's carrying 1100 watts. You're saying it should feel ambient temperature throughout? The extension cord is rated for 1700 watts.

Most extention cords that are made for trades use and so on are not a safe way to go...first of all google magnetic ciols , i sure hope your not wrapping the extra 25 feet of each cord in a ciol and leaving it hanging on a wall or floor....also a 1700 watt cord is usually rated at a duty cycle,,,running a power saw intermittantly puts far less demand on a cord that running a constant 1200 watts.Also the longer the cord the more line drop u will experience...which causes more load as the appliance tries to consume its potential....anyway .OK ..best cord for the money is the one U make yerself...purchase a roll of standard (15 amp i think) house wire...purchase heavy duty plug ends, now u can customize the lengths and so on...and u get no chinese timebomb extention cords....jmho.

BeanZyBoo said:

how did that start?

Click to expand...

Old house too much amp draw. The outlet that my lizards heating/lighting was plugged into melted.

Make sure your cord is at least a 12AWG and get it down to as short as possible for what you need. I too had a fire when my wife used an under rated cord for heat lamps for her animals. An extension cord should never feel hot. If it does you are overloading it.

Where im from you are meant to have all your power leads/tools checked and tagged I think yearly if using them on building sites.
I had a power lead plug getting hot as fuck if used it for 8+ hours it got the plug all soft and the prongs pulled out and looked burnt.

I only use leads no older then a year now if they are going to be left on unattended.