Extension cord power usage with UPS and PC

Mastersaofan · Jul 30, 2016

Hello. I am using an extension cord that is plugged into the wall. This cord is rated to have 2500w capacity usage. Connected to this cord is my UPS 3000VA and my computer.

Sorry for my ignorance please forgive me. Will this be okay? Is it safe? Also, my UPS does not state that it also has a voltage regulator. Is it safe to assume that I will also need an AVR?

kanewolf · Jul 30, 2016

It sounds like your extension cord could be undersized. At 240/250 VAC that would be a 10A extension cord. Extension cords should NEVER be smaller gauge than the power cord plugged into them. Check the power cord on the UPS. It should have a gauge stampted into the plastic. Get an extension cord that has a LOWER number gauge than the UPS, that way the extension cord is never overheating.

Mastersaofan · Jul 30, 2016

sorry so 2500w is bigger than 3000VA? i know nothing

kanewolf · Jul 30, 2016

No. 3000VA would be 3000W if it were DC voltages. But AC is not perfectly efficient. 3000VA is probably 2700W (give or take). The specs on your UPS should say what gauge cord it comes with. Get an extension cord that is larger gauge (smaller wire number) than the cord on the UPS.

It is also the case that you won't have 100% load on the UPS. But it is also the case that the longer the extension cord the more important having larger gauge wire is to prevent overheating. Voltage drops when carried through too small wire. That causes the current to increase and the cord heats up.

Mastersaofan · Jul 30, 2016

I get it now, thank you very much kanewolf. I shall visit my hardware store later this day.

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Extension cord power usage with UPS and PC

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