Electrical design and opinion

[BlackTip]

I calculated the amperage for my equipment, and I figured it is about 22amp at peak. So, I had an electrician install 2 dedicated circuit 20amp each. He suggested GFCI receptacles, but I insisted on GFCI breakers. I can't remember the reason, but I believe that what was recommended here on the forum. The breaker were very hard to find and expensive.

The plan:

I bought an Apex Gold package and an additional 8-outlets power bar. My plan is to plug each bar to a separate electrical circuit. Then, I am going to divide the equipment into two groups - essential and non-essential. Then plug each group to a separate power bar.

My goal is to have redundancy and the ability to use a small generator. In case one circuit fails or trips, the other should be working. In case of power outage, I can easily power the essential circuit.

Here is the plan: (I have two return pumps, two heaters, two gyres, and two light panels)

Circuit #1 (Essential) :
- Return pump #1
- Skimmer
- Heater #1
- Gyer #1
- light panel #1
- ATO
- fuge light

Circuit #2:
- Retun pump #2
- Heater #2
- Gyre #2
- One light panel #2
- Carbon/GFO reactor
- UV Sterlizer

Does this sounds like a viable plan?

Thanks,

 

[mcgyvr]

sounds like a good plan to me..

 

[LeakyZ]

You're def in the safe zone amperage wise imo

 

[Mock]

We cant possibly give you an explanation without knowing what heaters, ect.... I have Two dedicated circuits to my tank and two non dedicated.

Lights on one, Chiller and Heater on their own, (they are never on at the same time) and pumps, skimmer, and others on two other non dedicated lines.

You said you had figured 22 amps at peak, you might be good with 2, you may end up needing three.

We dont know how big you plan to get.

 

[BlackTip]

^^
Thanks for your response. I am Not asking or worrying about amperage. 40 dedicated amp is more than I'd ever need. I am not getting any bigger tank. This is a 325g tank.

I was asking about my overall plan of handling electrical equipment and whether my goals are being met by the plan detailed in my first post.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Don't forget the Apex EB8 has a 15A limit. You should be fine but it's important not to pile all the big amp stuff on one EB8.

If your lights are controlled by the Apex, you might not need to power them via the EB8

 

[Paul B]

Sounds good to me, 22 amps is a lot of current, big electric bill.

(electrician 40 years)

 

[BlackTip]

Sounds good to me, 22 amps is a lot of current, big electric bill.

(electrician 40 years)

Paul:

22 amps is at peak when/if everything is turned on. The heaters alone are 1600W (2 X 800W).

I am aware of the 15 amp limit on the power bar. I will make sure not to overload.

I guess, my plan is workable...

 

[Paul B]

It is workable, but those heaters together will overload that power bar so don't use it for both the heaters. Heaters use 100% of the current whenever they are on, even if they only have to raise the temp one degree. How big is the tank? You may need 3 circuits just because of the heaters.

 

[BlackTip]

It is workable, but those heaters together will overload that power bar so don't use it for both the heaters. Heaters use 100% of the current whenever they are on, even if they only have to raise the temp one degree. How big is the tank? You may need 3 circuits just because of the heaters.

The tank is 325g. I am planning on connecting each heater to a separate power bar. And, each power bar will be connected to a separate 20amp circuit. By my initial calculation, each bar should draw about 11 amp maximum.

I have a shared 15 amp in the room, if I need a third one. I rather not use this circuit, however. My QT will be connected to the shared 15 amp circuit.

 

[Paul B]

It sounds like 2 circuits will be enough.