How many watts?

[thedasher]

I was wondering how many watts a typical house outlet in the U.S, specifically Michigan, can handle? Because I want to add an outlet multiplier but cant over power it.

[garyinco]

Typical household outlet circuit breaker is 15 amps. Amps times voltage = watts. So technically ~1600 watts for all the outlets/lights on that circuit. Michigan, huh? Check your main breaker box to see if the brand is Federal Pacific Electric. Very popular in that part of the country from structures 30-50 years ago. They had some problems. If so, you might put it on your list to have it changed out to a newer one*. And I wouldn't push the limits on the power you pull from that circuit.

*If you own the property and ever want to sell it the typical buyer inspection will insist you replace it, so convince the roomie it's inevitable and while it's being replaced you can have the electrician run a couple of dedicated 15 amp circuits to your tank. :)

[thedasher]

Originally Posted by garyinco

Typical household outlet circuit breaker is 15 amps. Amps times voltage = watts. So technically ~1600 watts for all the outlets/lights on that circuit. Michigan, huh? Check your main breaker box to see if the brand is Federal Pacific Electric. Very popular in that part of the country from structures 30-50 years ago. They had some problems. If so, you might put it on your list to have it changed out to a newer one*. And I wouldn't push the limits on the power you pull from that circuit.

*If you own the property and ever want to sell it the typical buyer inspection will insist you replace it, so convince the roomie it's inevitable and while it's being replaced you can have the electrician run a couple of dedicated 15 amp circuits to your tank.

Yah we just refinished the basement so every outlet is brand new and thats where I just setup the tank.

[sonoma2nv]

he said breaker box.just changing the outlets to new wouldnt matter if u still have a 15amp breaker,or the problems he said if u have that type of box.

[thedasher]

Originally Posted by sonoma2nv

he said breaker box.just changing the outlets to new wouldnt matter if u still have a 15amp breaker,or the problems he said if u have that type of box.

Yah we changed the breaker box too. We redid all the wiring, lights, walls flooring. It's like a second house now.

[mcgyvr]

cough.. GFCI.. cough

[alton]

I consider my aquarium a continuous load (80%) so
20 amp breaker #12 wire 1,920 watts - 15 amp breaker #14 wire 1,440 watts. Lights and heaters are the biggest users, our pumps are minimal. Don't forget to add 25% to your heater loads and 15% to your largest motor load. And I am sure your electrician used Arc Fault breakers, so just add GFCI receptacles for equipment submersed in water.

[thedasher]

Originally Posted by alton

I consider my aquarium a continuous load (80%) so
20 amp breaker #12 wire 1,920 watts - 15 amp breaker #14 wire 1,440 watts. Lights and heaters are the biggest users, our pumps are minimal. Don't forget to add 25% to your heater loads and 15% to your largest motor load. And I am sure your electrician used Arc Fault breakers, so just add GFCI receptacles for equipment submersed in water.

Yah my electrician added gfci's and arc fault circuit breakers so I'm all set with those. Thanks for the help guys.

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

cough.. GFCI.. cough

[alton]

Then relax and enjoy