Quote Originally Posted by elskeetro
I took them apart and added 15' of cord between the hood and the ballast so i could keep the ballasts outside of the room. just a few wire nuts and electrical tape.
stay safe!!
Skeet
Hopefully, the load ratings don't exceed cord or component capabilities. The longer the cord, the more strain on the circuits. Heat/fire is one result.

Would definatelly not cut the cord unless:
...you know how to discharge a capacitor,
or
...you are an electrician. (just by asking the question, likely you're not one)

Bad things often happen, when shortcuts are inappropriate. (fire, electrical shock, death)

Why not make the hole a tad larger, and keep the cord intact?