How many watts/amp can you throw on a single outlet?

[dannieboiz]

Trying to figure out what's safe to put onto my circuit w/o having to run new wires.

Right now, this is what I plan on using.

2x, HQI 250w MH
2x VHO 110w
2X T5 54w
Sequence 750, 4600 180w
Mag 12, 110w
Genx PCX55, 180w

That's about 1300w, if I remember correctly, that will have an amperage output of, 11.8 or say 12amps based on the wattage

wattage/voltage=amps?

But the actual amprage draw will probably be slightly higher depending on the equipment.

If that's too much, the mag 12 and the PCX55 will need to be eliminated for a Dart, then split for return and skimmer.

 

[Qwiv]

It depends on the circuit and what else is sharing the circuit.
Go to your panel and figure out what circuit you are putting your tank on. Check out what size breaker it is. Then check what is also on the circuit.
Add up what you have on the circuit.
To convert watts to amps divide watts by 120.

You should never load a circuit 100%. A 15-amp circuit can handle a total of 1,800 watts, while a 20-amp circuit can handle a total of 2,400 watts, but these figures represent circuits that are fully loaded. In practice, you should limit the load on a 15-amp circuit to no more than 1,440 watts, and the load on a 20-amp line should exceed no more than 1,920 watts.

I would consider putting that equipment on a dedicated circuit. Someone plugging a vacume into the same circuit will be a sure fire overload. Don't forget to add your heaters and other equipment.

 

[dannieboiz]

yah, after I post, I remember not adding the 300w heater and another 300w chiller, which will be using one or the other.

The fish tank circuit is all on it's own. The living room runs off one circuit and there's only a 100w light that's on the same circuit, but I usually don't turn on that light when I'm there since the tank light is plenty bright. I believe my circuit is a 15a circuit. My other option is to go with

1 110w VHo and 1 T5 54w for suppliment

or go with 12-14k MH and no sup.

 

[dswong01]

Per NEC multiply all current amps by 1.2 for continous operation equipment and all other non contionous by 1x to figure out current draw.

 

[Vincerama2]

Home Depot has a book called "Simplified Wiring" It's pretty good if you want more insight into home electrical topics.

If you rewire any part of your house, use 12 AWG wiring instead of 14 AWG if you can!

The breakers and fuses are there to protect the wiring and the outlet.

ALSO, borrow one of those Kill-A-Watt devices and get an empirical sample of your power draw at the outlet!
(Your pumps seem to draw a lot of power...)

V