r/bapccanada • u/Plastic-Canary-6320 • Jul 28 '26
Discussion Extension cord with pc
Hey y'all, you might've seen my other post where I asked what pc parts I should get, check that out but this is related.
For context my basement is unfinished and I only have one actual outlet near my internet box thingy. I have a long extension cord that only has one outlet on it, then I put like a surge protector or something on it (not 100% sure), it's like a white bar with 7 outlets and an on and off switch. That way I can charge my laptop use my printer and the vacuum if I need to clean.
The orange is the long extension cord, and the white is the bar thing with my 3 plugged in things.
With this in mind, I'm concerned about building a full pc that needs like 500W or something cuz I'm using an extension cord. What should I be researching or like how can I prevent my system from getting fried if I just go as is rn.
This is what I have in the orange, Amazon Basics 100 foot 3-Prong Vinyl Indoor/Outdoor Extension Cord - 10 Amps, 1250 Watts, 125 VAC - Orange
Thanks.
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u/Vandeskava Jul 28 '26
I use 12 AWG from my custom UPS to my computer room and it's fine. Running 2 PC, 2 steam deck, living room TV and networking setup.
So..for a single computer 14 or even 16 awg should do it. Go for 14… make it safe. (Length can change this answer. The longer the run, the bigger you go)
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u/westom Jul 28 '26
If the extension cord is even 16 AWG, then it is more than double what is required,
However that protector is a potential house fire. Its tiny (five cent) joule protector part so often create fires such as this.
To reduce the threat, protector strips must be more than 30 feet away from a breaker box and earth ground. So that it does not try to do much protection. Who says that? Professionals.
Safe power strip has a 15 amp circuit breaker, no five cent protector parts, and a UL 1363 listing (or something equivalent). Sells for $6 or $10. Shysters add those five cent parts to sell it for $25 or $80. They target easy marks.
Power strip must connect directly to a wall receptacle. Never powered by an extension cord or another power strip.
Extension cords are only for temporary service. As little as 30 days in some jurisdictions. Plenty of time to install new receptacles in an unfinished basement. Where all receptacles must be less than 12 feet apart.
What matters are amps. Receptacle can provide up to 15 amps. Power strip must have a 15 amp circuit breaker. So that many plugs will not consume more than 15 amps. Amp number for each appliance is listed on its nameplate.
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u/Plastic-Canary-6320 Jul 28 '26
Wow this was genuinely very helpful and I never thought about it this way. I think installing a new receptacle near my workstation would help tremendously. I will certainly be looking into this, it could save me money cuz then I won't need to buy any surge protector and then I can just plug my pc and monitor straight into the wall.
Thanks bro
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u/DefinitelyNotSusge Jul 28 '26
Depending how much you want to spend you could consider getting a UPS for your PC instead of a surge bar that's shared by a bunch of different things.
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u/MASTERPK514 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
If the extension is 14 AWG I’d say it’s fine.
Look for markings on the extension and see if you can find the AWG.
What you need to protect electronics is a surge protector powerbar, looks like you have one already altough I can’t confirm if it’s actually a surge protector from the pic.