16 Gauge 240V Power Cord 8′

The 16 Gauge 240V Power Cord 8′ is a replacement and extension power cord designed to connect ballasts and grow light fixtures to a 240V power source. It plugs into the male power outlet found on most major brand ballasts and runs to the 240V wall outlet or power strip. Rated at 13 amps and 1,625 watts maximum and carrying UL listing, this cord is a dependable wiring component for 240V grow room electrical setups.

16 Gauge 240V Power Cord Specifications

The table below lists the electrical ratings and physical characteristics of this 240V power cord as stated by the manufacturer.

Specification	Value
Wire Gauge	16 AWG (American Wire Gauge)
Voltage Rating	240V
Cord Length	8 feet
Maximum Amperage	13 A
Maximum Wattage	1,625 W
Safety Certification	UL Listed
Case Quantity	50 cords per case

Why Choose This 240V Power Cord

When selecting a power cord for a 240V grow light or ballast, the cord’s gauge, ampacity, and certification matter as much as the physical fit. Here is what makes this cord a practical choice for the grow room:

• UL listed for safety compliance. UL listing means the cord has been independently tested to meet established electrical safety standards. This matters in grow rooms where moisture, heat, and continuous-duty operation increase risk.
• Rated for 1,000W ballast loads. The 1,625-watt maximum rating provides adequate headroom for 1,000-watt HID ballasts running on 240V circuits, the most common high-power grow light configuration in commercial and hobby grow rooms.
• 16 AWG construction handles 13 amps sustained. At 240V and 13 amps, this cord can carry loads up to 3,120 VA before reaching its ampacity limit, giving a practical safety margin over the 1,625 W published maximum.
• 8-foot length suits most ballast-to-outlet runs. Eight feet is enough reach to position a ballast on a shelf or ballast hanger while connecting to a wall outlet or power strip without excessive cord bundling.
• Case quantity of 50 for commercial growers. Available by the case, making it cost-effective for facilities replacing or standardizing cords across multiple lighting circuits at once.

Best Uses for the 16 Gauge 240V Power Cord 8′

This cord is a wiring component intended for specific electrical configurations in indoor growing environments. It is most useful in the following situations:

• Connecting a 240V HID ballast to a 240V outlet. The cord is designed to plug into the male power outlet on most major brand ballasts on one end and a standard 240V receptacle on the other.
• Replacing a damaged or missing ballast power cord. If the original cord supplied with a ballast is damaged, cut short, or missing, this cord is a direct replacement for most brands.
• Standardizing cords across a multi-light facility. Operations running many 240V fixtures benefit from having a stock of uniform replacement cords. The case quantity of 50 supports this.
• Extending reach from ballast to outlet. In rooms where outlets are not directly adjacent to ballast positions, the 8-foot length provides a comfortable run without daisy-chaining extension cords.
• Pairing with 600W or 1,000W HPS or CMH grow lights. Whether you are running a 600W ceramic HPS grow light bulb or a larger 1,000W system, this cord handles the load at 240V with capacity to spare.
• Supplementing T5 fluorescent setups on 240V circuits. Growers running banks of fluorescent lighting such as the Sun Blaze T5 HO 4-ft 8-lamp fixture on 240V branch circuits can use this cord for the ballast connection.

Compatibility

This power cord is designed to plug into the male power outlet found on most major brand 240V ballasts. The following notes cover electrical and physical compatibility:

• Voltage: 240V circuits only. Do not use on 120V circuits — the plug configuration is specific to 240V outlets and is not interchangeable with standard 120V household outlets.
• Load limit: Maximum 13 amps or 1,625 watts on a 240V circuit. Verify that the ballast or fixture load does not exceed these ratings before use.
• Ballast compatibility: Fits the male power inlet on most major brand HID ballasts including common 400W, 600W, and 1,000W units rated for 240V operation. Confirm the inlet plug type on your ballast before ordering if you are unsure.
• Not suitable for 120V operation: This cord is rated for 240V use. It should not be substituted for a 120V power cord on a dual-voltage ballast set to 120V mode.

If you are setting up a full 240V grow room, also consider your tent enclosure — the Grow Shop Outlet 48x48x78 grow tent is a common pairing for 1,000W 240V lighting systems.

Usage Guidelines

Follow these practices to ensure safe and reliable operation of this power cord in a grow room environment:

1. Verify the circuit voltage before connecting. Confirm that the outlet or power strip you are using is a 240V circuit. Connecting a 240V cord and ballast to an incorrect voltage will damage equipment or create a hazard.
2. Check the ballast load against the cord’s 13-amp maximum. A 1,000W ballast on a 240V circuit draws approximately 4.2 amps, well within the 13-amp rating. A bank of ballasts on the same cord would require calculating the combined draw.
3. Do not bundle or coil the cord during operation. Coiled cords restrict heat dissipation and can cause the insulation to overheat at sustained loads. Route the cord in a single pass from ballast to outlet.
4. Inspect the cord before each growing cycle. Look for cuts, abrasion, or discoloration in the insulation, particularly near the plug ends where flex stress is highest. Replace damaged cords immediately.
5. Keep connections clear of irrigation and standing water. Grow rooms involve irrigation, condensation, and humidity. All plug connections should be made at elevated positions away from water spray and floor runoff.

Sources & Further Reading