Quote Originally Posted by AngryJohnny
should higher rated electrical cords be used?

running a 400w MH and 148w of shop light flouros all on same plug on one outlet.

run off one outlet
2-12 ft 3-way 16 gauge 13a/125v/1625w into closet.
148w flouros get plug in first then another 12ft 3-way cord.
then another power strip (not known stats) runs the 400w MH

next week, add 600w HPS turns on 12 hr with 3 hours of 400w MH per 12 hrs.

on the same outlet
the other 12ft 3-way plugs into another 12ft 3-way which powers my fans.
5 fans, a carbon filter with 6" vortex fan. lots of air movement and no stinky.

no highjack just trying to get some more info out for peeps.
I wouldn't worry about your cords, each one can handle 13 amp.

148+400+600=1148Watts 1148/120=9.6Amps

You have to find out the amp draw of your fans and use the same formula. KEEP IN MIND, most household outlets are 15amp, your getting close right now and your not even looking at the inrush current this is going to produce. Inrush current is when you first fire the shit up. So if your 400w lamp is 3.3 amp, the inrush current is close to 33AMP! Fire your lights up at different times for sure!
Just with the lamps your already at 9.6 amp continuous, I'd consider splitting your lamps on different circuits with your fans divided or going to 220V.