Electric Setups?

[Dr Joe]

So how many tanks are you going to loose if (1) breaker trips?!

Since current usage is ok, divide the loads down to a power strip for each tank or two if possible, then if something happens (brown out, voltage spike etc.) that can trip a circiut breaker, you won't loose everything.

Leave a couple of amps out for current surge (if power goes out, then comes back on everything is at it's peak draw).

You may consider a power outage alarm (freezer alarm) they're fairly cheap, or even an old usp that the alarm still sounds when the power goes out.

Tell your wife you need to move to a new house for her safety...(trust me it's better than telling her you just want more tanks set-up ).

Keep us posted on your outcome...

Dr Joe

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[fishfreak317]

So how many tanks are you going to loose if (1) breaker trips?!

Since current usage is ok, divide the loads down to a power strip for each tank or two if possible, then if something happens (brown out, voltage spike etc.) that can trip a circiut breaker, you won't loose everything.

Leave a couple of amps out for current surge (if power goes out, then comes back on everything is at it's peak draw).

You may consider a power outage alarm (freezer alarm) they're fairly cheap, or even an old usp that the alarm still sounds when the power goes out.

Tell your wife you need to move to a new house for her safety...(trust me it's better than telling her you just want more tanks set-up ).

Keep us posted on your outcome...

Dr Joe

.

will result in several tanks beeing down to a breaker shutting off. the alarm would be a nice thing to consider. i looked at a house today that will suit my needs , and give me oppertunity to build 1-2 monster tanks. aswell as everything i have now, and more just in my "own" house i will have more fexability for a electrition to come in, and hook it up right. thanx for the input. i still dunno what i gonna do, might have to hold off on the new tanks (in garage gathering dust). this sucks but it might be the best option.

 

[Dr Joe]

At least they won't go bad ...Hey! Does the garage have electricity?...HHhhmmm

Good kuck with the new house.

Dr Joe

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[WackyDan]

I posted this the other week over at Aquaria Central.... Not sure you caught it. Main thing is to consider whether you are in the 80% allowed by the circuit you have for the tanks.

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Code only allows any circuit to be loaded 80 % of its rated load. Most devices will not be on all the time, however, there only needs to be one time for all to be on to exceed the allowed Amp Capacity of the circuit, and to be sure there is absolutely no fire hazard, the 80% rule should be followed. The reality however, is that exceeding the rating of the breaker will generally trip it. the fire hazard will come from using extension cords that are not rated for the load attached to them or faulty equipment such as lighting, etc.

A 15 amp circuit can carry only a total of 1440 watts,which is 80% of the 1800 watts found by mulitplying the volts times amps,15 x 120 x 80%= 1440.

A 20 amp circuit can be loaded 1920 watts, 120 x 20 x 80%=1920 watts.

A 15 amp circuit uses #14 wire and a 20 amp uses #12. You can not upgrade a 15 amp breaker to a 20 unless you replace the existing #14 wire from the main panel/breaker to the outlets. Your outlets will also have to be rated for the load. There are standard 15 amp and 20 amp outlets.

I could suggest using a Killawatt meter to monitor the total consumption of your equipment. That you have a basement is a good thing, as you could easily add a 20 amp circuit or two for your aquariums. (Make sure they are Ground fault protected at the panel or outlet.) If you have an older electrical entrance which uses fuses, it's best to leave any modification to a professional.

You are probably safe on the total consumption of your gear for the time being. I would just make sure that you are using high quality extention cords and power strips. If it's a long cord, make sure it's #12 wire, even if it's on a 15 amp circuit.

Also, you may be safe depending on how old your house is. Newer houses are built all kinds of crazy. While you may think that two outlets near each other are on the same circuit, you'd be surprised how often they are not. For example, my house shares a circuit on the wall between my office and the living room. and part of the living room shares a breaker with the garage. Days of old they ran a circuit per room, now they run electrical more (cost installation) efficiently, making sure they have the max number of outlets allowed per circuit. You may find outlets on two separate circuits in the basement.