marsh28 Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I am doing my first display for Halloween and was wondering if 16/2 extension cords could be used in combination with 16/3 cords to save some dough. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 Most of us use SPT-2 wire, which I believe is 18/2...so using 16/3 or 16/2 should not pose a problem..are you running LED's or incandescent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh28 Posted August 1, 2011 Author Share Posted August 1, 2011 I'll be running mostly incandescent halogen spotlights (90w) in combo with a few LED spotlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh28 Posted August 1, 2011 Author Share Posted August 1, 2011 Oh. And when I say 16/2 cords I'm referring to the interior 2 prong extensions cords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 marsh28 wrote: Oh. And when I say 16/2 cords I'm referring to the interior 2 prong extensions cords.The SPT-2 wire is indoor rated also...just keep the plugs elevated so they won't be sitting in any puddles... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saul Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 no problems with the wire, just watch the amount of current that you are drawing does not exceed the rating for your controller. @90w each you are using 3/4 of an amp per bulb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I would not try to pull over 10 amps on runs under 50 feet. So this would equal about 1100 watts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james campbell Posted August 1, 2011 Share Posted August 1, 2011 I was skeptical about the spt -2 as well, then I realized that I would be drawing a light load on all of them so I'm not concerned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Max-Paul wrote: I would not try to pull over 10 amps on runs under 50 feet. So this would equal about 1100 watts.came back to see if there were any other comments and reread my post.To set the record straight. I meant to say over not under 50 feet runs. Sure does help when I type the right word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngoodart Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Thanks for the info Max, I was wondering the same thing myself. was going to start building my cord sets this weekend if my vampire plugs show up this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mschell Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 SPT and most of the SPT based extension cords should be good up to 7A. That's about 800 watts. Not sure what each channel on the controller will handle, but you should be good.Note that this is from your controller to the lights. You should be using a heavy duty extension cord to go from your power outlet to the controller.Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 marsh28 wrote: I'll be running mostly incandescent halogen spotlights (90w) in combo with a few LED spotlights.Oh. And when I say 16/2 cords I'm referring to the interior 2 prong extensions cords.Some (aluminum) halogen spotlight fixtures use a 3-prong (grounding) power cord. If you use one of those, then you should use a 3-prong extension cord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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