Worried about a BLOWOUT!!

[michaeltwana]

As I am about to plug one more thing into my powerstrips I worry that this will be the thing that crashes the system....how much is too much?

this might be a little difficult to answer...so how can i avoid any issues electrically?

michael

[pugbreath13]

How many watts do you have plugged into the outlet?

[jmait769]

You want to make sure you do not exceed the amp rating for your power strip or your outlet. Usually 10 - 15 Amps. Here is a simplified equation from this website: http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm

The conversion of Watts to Amps is governed by the equation Amps = Watts/Volts

For example 400 watts/110 volts = 3.6 amp

Here is a diagram I used to distribute my tank load between two 20 amp circuits:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n172/jmait769/Expansion_Socket.jpg

HTH

Jay

Edit: I should have also stated that you want to see what other items you may have on the circuit. Most homes are wired so that the outlet you may be using is wired before or after a few other outlets that are on the same circuit. Make sure you know what is on the complete circuit you are using.

[useskaforevil]

haha yea i can't have my tank and my microwave on at the same time....

[jag1979]

I have my tank on two circuits, one dedicated and one that shares w/ my room (lights and tv)

[lpkirby]

If you have a dedicated line, just piggy back off of it and put another outlet in, providing you have not excedded the amps on the breaker..

[lpkirby]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9122574#post9122574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by useskaforevil
haha yea i can't have my tank and my microwave on at the same time....

So what gets the priority? Microwave of course :D Hey you got to eat right....

[jag1979]

If you have a dedicated line, just piggy back off of it and put another outlet in, providing you have not excedded the amps on the breaker..

I don't understand that much about electricity but how would this help the situation? It would not increase the amount of electricity the circuit could handle...

My electrition told me that I should not exceed 1500 watts per circuit. My lights alone are 1050 so I put in another circuit.

[useskaforevil]

heh i should just eat at night when the lights are off. or i could just put the microwave in the bathroom....

[Nano Chris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9122574#post9122574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by useskaforevil
haha yea i can't have my tank and my microwave on at the same time.... Lol kind of like my situation, had a family member turning on a heater or a toaster oven and kept blowing the power upstairs (my room, tanks and all!) so doesn't happen now, just got to be care full not to overload it anymore.

[corals b 4 bills]

I designed this panel and had my electrician put this together after I melted my power strips and nearly electrocuted my wife when she touched the reflector with her elbow, that was the last straw. This panel has 50 outlets on two separate GFI breakers, the outlets on the left are switched so that I can turn pumps off individually for feeding or tank maintenance, I also had the guy put a dedicated outlet in the garage just to run my chiller so I don't have the heat from the unit, I have not had a tripped breaker since. This setup with labor costs $400.00 to make but it was well worth not thinking about the tank overflowing onto the strips when I'm away or asleep. (and also killing the misses). When I go to upgrade I can reuse the panel again (that's why there are so many outlets), This is the day it was installed there are now covers over the outlets, they were on order. *http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/81436new_electrical_pic_2.jpg http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/81436Electrical_panel.jpg http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/81436sump_pic1.jpg

[vanmo92]

corals b 4 bills:

Thats an awsome setup!!!!

[corals b 4 bills]

Thanks I felt it nessessary to upgrade my electrical and make it safe before upgrading my skimmer, pumps or controller.