Surge protector & extension cord

[Anonymous user]

I bought a PRO8 surge protector for my office, but the 6' cord is not long enough for my purposes. I need to be able to plug the surge protector into an approved extension cord or powerstrip, which will then be plugged into the wall, without voiding the EPP. I'm getting all sorts of contradictory information from the "My Support" area of the apc.com website. I was told that I could not use a third-party extension cord, but when I asked about using an APC extension cord I was told by someone else that this would not be valid either. I've also been told that using an APC powerstrip would be acceptable, and then that using it would NOT be acceptable.

Can someone PLEASE give me a straight answer to this simple question? What extension cord or powerstrip can I use in conjunction with my PRO8 surge protector?

If I can't extend the cord somehow, I will not be able to use this product.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[BillP]

you're very welcome

[BillP]

hi Erik,

maybe you came across [this APC knowledgebase article|http://nam-en.apc.com/cgi-bin/nam_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1372] which indicates using an extension cord is not recommended or supported. the reason for this is because the UL listing and UL certification does not test for this, thus APC cannot support it if you factor in this variable to your setup.

as long as you choose an extension cord with the proper gauge wire, that can support the amperage draw of the surge protector at full load, that would be suitable. hazards arise if an underrated extension cord is use that could heat up and melt, etc while connected to the surge protector.

if you find the correct gauge extension cord, you should be fine but APC cannot support it if it is found to be the cause of the problem, especially if it is third party for the reasons i mentioned above.

[Anonymous user]

Thanks for your response.

That article is in reference to using an extension cord and surge protector with an APC UPS, but I'm not using a UPS. I just want to plug the extension cord into the wall. Does that make a difference?

How can I tell what the full-load amperage draw would be for the PRO8 surge protector? I have found an APC extension cord (model 47006-10: [http://www.apccables.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=40076%2D10]) that is rated at 10 amp. Will that be sufficient?

Would a powerstrip be a preferable alternative to an extension cord?

Thanks again.

[BillP]

yeah, a UPS or surge protector - does not matter. same information still applies. PRO8 has a standard household 15 amp outlet on it, which is de-rated to 12 amps per national electrical code.

i believe this cable would be suitable for you even though it says 10A.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

I bought a PRO8 surge protector for my office, but the 6' cord is not long enough for my purposes. I need to be able to plug the surge protector into an approved extension cord or powerstrip, which will then be plugged into the wall, without voiding the EPP. I'm getting all sorts of contradictory information from the "My Support" area of the apc.com website. I was told that I could not use a third-party extension cord, but when I asked about using an APC extension cord I was told by someone else that this would not be valid either. I've also been told that using an APC powerstrip would be acceptable, and then that using it would NOT be acceptable.

Can someone PLEASE give me a straight answer to this simple question? What extension cord or powerstrip can I use in conjunction with my PRO8 surge protector?

If I can't extend the cord somehow, I will not be able to use this product.

Thanks for any help you can give.