Extention cord question

[Debs]

I want to put my lights on a timer and I want to plug 2 plugs into each timer so that the actinic go on first and the whites go on some time later. Right now I have my lights plugged into a Belkin power strip. In order to do what I want I would have to run the light cord on an extension cord. My light fixture is a coralife power compact. Does anyone see a problem running them with an extention cord. If this is not a problem what kind of extention cord would you recommend. It makes me crazy that they make the cords so short and the cord for my pump is 5 times too long. I need about 4 feet of extention for the lights. Thanks

[Hardhead Cat]

Because I want my actinics and MHs to come on at different times, I use extension cords with all my lights and timers. I use the heavy-duty, grounded (3-prong) "yard" type ones and they work fine, so far no issues.....

HHC

[Debs]

What do you mean by Yard type, is that what I ask for at the store. Do they come in 4 feet. Thanks

[Hardhead Cat]

I mean the heavy-duty ones, that are grounded (3-prong) and usually in orange, or green, or blue colors. They are ones you use outside for Christmas lights or yard equipment. I don't know if they come in 4-foot lengths but I do know they come in six foot lengths up to 100 feet or so.

HHC

[Loverotties]

At least at X-mas time they had short onesJust make shure the cord,timer are grounded and pluged into a G.F.C.I. circuit.

[Debs]

If I have an arc fault circuit interrupter on the main box do I need the GFCI also?

[Debs]

cord and timer are grounded as well

[bosscrab]

Originally Posted by Debs

If I have an arc fault circuit interrupter on the main box do I need the GFCI also?

If you have a GFCI breaker ,than everything that breaker switches is safe.

[Debs]

Originally Posted by bosscrab

If you have a GFCI breaker ,than everything that breaker switches is safe.

I was planning to put in the arc fault interrupter on the breaker itself, would that do it instead of the individual outlet. The problem is getting to the outlet.

[jonnosteams]

Originally Posted by bosscrab

If you have a GFCI breaker ,than everything that breaker switches is safe.

Agree

And agree that you need a 'heavy' corded extension. They handle more current(amps). If you get one too small in diameter it could catch fire due to the extra heat. I recommend one rated at LEAST to 20A. You also need to be careful about having too many branches off one wall outlet. Most outlet are only rated to 20A, some evet only 15A!

[Debs]

I guess what I'm asking is the GFCI the same as the arc fault CI.

[jonnosteams]

Originally Posted by Debs

I guess what I'm asking is the GFCI the same as the arc fault CI.

yes

[jonnosteams]

If the breaker, in the service panel, has an additional white or yellow button and says 'push to test', then everything on that breaker is protected in the case of water.

[Debs]

No push to test buttons. I did purchase the ARCI by GE for the breaker. I have everything plugged into 2 different wall outlets on opposite sides of the tank. I am using 2 Belken 10 outlet powerstrips. I dont know if both wall outlets are connected to the same breaker or not. They are just outlets in the den. They are probably connected to the same breaker. Do you think I can change these breakers myself or should I call an electrician. I am pretty handy (for a female).

[jonnosteams]

I stand corrected... an ARCI is NOT a GFCI. an ARCI is more of a surgeprotector.

Changing stuff out of a breaker box can be daunting to most people. If you don't work with electricity, I wouldn't recommend it. 220V at 200A WILL kill you.