I have a fan,a timer, a cheap econo-wing hps reflector and a 400w mh/hps ballast to run. In order to run it to my closet I would either need a really long power strip or a regular one and an extension cord. My question is , is that safe? Am I risking a fire with all these things being plugged into an extension cord AND power strip?
Yes. Maybe if you didn't have the ballast it would be okay. But with the ballast, running like that long-term, yes, that's a fire hazard.
If your ballast is up high or mounted safly and its not a crazy small closet your fine. Make sure your light is mounted very well and not touching anything. It's not a fire hazard unless you make it one. Monitor it and the temps make sure the place has some cold air coming in. If this was 1000k even a 600 I'd say it could be a hazard but its 400. Common sence and some thinking your fine
^he's not asking if it's hazardous to have it all in the closet. He's asking if it's hazardous to run all that power on an extension cord.
go with the long power strip..less to go wrong..your light will pull about 4 amps..normal fan will draw 1 or 2 amps.. timer is to little to even list.. so even if it pulls 7 amps you are still below half what it is rated for and will be fine...
Extension cords can be extremely dangerous. Grab the length you need. Do NOT coil it. Extension Cord Safety « Fire 9 Prevention
Agreed and yes power strip and mount it so its safely away from water n such. As well as don't cheep out on cords from dollar stores or anything like that
Thanks for the replies. I've had my grow stuff since April I've honestly just been too scared of fire to set it up. I live with my folks and although they're cool I'm not saying anything to them about it, so safety is important. So it would be acceptable to run reflector/ballast/fan/>power strip>single outlet timer?
that's good that you take your time and keep things safe.. and like Jenny said don't cheap out on power cords. Good luck with your grow..