problem

[dave1113]

My grow room needs power but the extension cord im using has a head too wide to fit through the only hole into the room. Is it possible/unsafe for me to cut the cord and reattach it. I'm paranoid about fire so this seems like a bad idea. basically theres no way to cut a wider hole and if i were to use a skinnier cord it would not have the proper output for how much power I'm using. Any suggestions, no matter how insane they are, would be appreciated.

[Ganja Guerrilla]

Im not a advocate of cutting and splicing wires..........

cut off the plug end, feed it thru the hole and buy a new HeavyDuty Replacement Plug End at the hardware store for less than $3

this way the wires are NOT twisted and taped, soldered whatever they are actually screwed into a ul approved housing....now your like new again

[sibannac]

That's exactly what I would do GG, it's the safest thing.

[djdew23]

you should never cut the cord then splice it back together just spend maybe $4 and do this

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=425>I started with the cut end of a heavy-gauge extension cord (this one was number 14 wire) and a plug rated for the same amperage (15 Amps).</TD><TD width=171></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>The male plug came apart by removing three screws near the prongs.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="77%">The back side of the plug has a clamping mechanism that prevents the wires from being pulled out of their connections.</TD><TD width="26%"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>I loosened the three screws and removed the back section.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Note: This is a "heavy-duty" plug, which has the screw-on back section and uses better connection methods, which I'll explain later.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=447>First, I slid the back section over the cord end.</TD><TD width=149></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>I carefully slit the outer cable jacket with a sharp knife.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=449>I removed about 1 inch of jacket material from the end. I always check to make sure that I have not cut the insulation on any wires.
</TD><TD width=147></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=216></TD><TD width=380>After the paper filling material was cut off I spread the wires out too see if they would reach their respective connection terminals.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=447>Using wire strippers, I stripped the insulation back about 1/2 inch on each of the three wires.</TD><TD width=149></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>I twisted the strands of wire to keep them from fraying.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=450>On cheaper replacement plugs the wire is wrapped around a screw, but this heavy duty plug uses a clamping device to hold the bare wire. Much better and worth the extra money.</TD><TD width=146></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>I tightened each screw firmly. Then I tugged on each wire to test the connection.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=451>There is a standard practice here, just like on receptacles (outlets):

• White wire goes on the silver terminal.
• Black wire goes on the gold terminal.
• Green (or bare ground) wire goes on the green terminal.

Failure to follow this practice would be utterly stupid and possibly harmful.
</TD><TD width=145></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>The back section has a notch next to one (and only one) of the screw holes. This forces the installer to align the back section properly.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=451>Similarly, there is a tab behind one of the screws.</TD><TD width=145></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>I tightened each screw until it was snug, and then tightened each one again.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=449>For the final step, I tightened the clamp screws on the back section. The cable has to be firmly held, not crushed !</TD><TD width=147></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=610 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=144></TD><TD width=452>The finished product after being tested.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[dave1113]

Damn guys thanks ALOT. I didn't know this was even a possiblity and will probably save me somewhere about 3 hours worth of headaches. And djdew23 thats pretty much the most straightforward and perfect explaination I have ever seen haha. May god bless you with a sack of the dankest shit uve ever laid eyes upon hahaha.

later

[djdew23]

no prob alwas glade to help out just hope others look at this as well and helps them out and im glade you asked befor you just hacked the cord in half and taped it back up with the power going threw the cord 18 to 24 hrs a day not a good idea if it was used a hr or so and under the users close eye no big deal but a grow room fire leads to more than a burnt home posible jail time as well for growing a nother thing every one should have within ft of thare grow room is a Fire extinguisher in CLASS C for electrical fires

[dave1113]

Yea I'm glad I asked to even though I don't think I'd be able to comforably hack and reattach without worrying enough to take it down. Fire is a huge concern with me. Maybe while were on the subject do you have any other suggestions since you seem like you know quite abit about it.

[djdew23]

a few things extra but not needed, dont keep water jugs in your grow room if for some dumb rerason it leak not only do you get a wet grow room but you also have a chance of mold and if your cords are on the floor a big shock or fire . i alwas hang mt cords off the floor in the corner for 1 much neater 2 out of the way and 3 if you do get some water spilled no shock or fire . i alsi use a peice of rubber on the hook i hang them on probly not neaded but never hurts eather . i dont have yrs of growing mj under my belt but i have grown garden and house plants indoors for a long time now so i to need help on some things . best advise is when you ask a ? here ask rite to the point so every one under stands what you mean like you did this post if you dont you may not get anserd and most of all search works wonders as well but not every time with the search i normaly find what i need but still have ? as well