How can you tell if your circuit breaker can handle all your stuff?
Question:We are moving into a new space and we have 22 computers, 4 tv's, and a few other things. How can we tell if the circuit breaker can handle all that stuff? Also are we limited by the outlet on how many things can be connected? Should we have a certain amount of amps?
Answers:
The certain way to tell is add up the nameplate ratings in amps of everything you want to plug in to a single circuit and see if it adds up to 20 amps which is what most outlet circuits are wired to. There is not code a limit on how much you can plug in but you will trip the breaker if you exceed its capacity.
Well check all the amperage on the stuff your going to hook up and see what size the circuit breaker is and see if your amperage is lower or higher than the breaker. But if it's lower but not by much you need to install another breaker because of power surges on the elctrical lines. SO best thing to do is to install one or two more socket in teh rooms and install a couple more circuit breakers. It will help in the long run. Especially with down time.
I think you need to consult a licensed electrician, first to determine how many circuits you have, and secondly to advise you on what each circuit will safely support.
It sounds like you are moving into an apartment or condo, so you should find out from your landlord how your power supply is laid out.
Under no circumstance should you try to put more that 2 computers (with all the peripherals) on 1 x 110 circuit.
Just one other note: Verify your breaker size before you add everything up. Most households are on 15 amp breakers. (industry uses 20)
You should not put more than a 75% load on the breaker.
I'm assuming you are not putting 4 TV's and 22 computers in the same room.
First check that all your outlets work by plugging in a lamp or radio. Then turn off the circuit breakers one at a time to see which outlets (and lights) are protected by that breaker. Breaker rating is marked on it, usually 15A for homes.
Most computer equipment does not draw that much current, but you cannot plug it all on one circuit. Spread it out over as many circuits as practical. Use good quality power bars to plug more than 2 devices per outlet. It is not generally good practise to plug a power bar into a power bar.
Look on the back of your equipment for power consumption. Add them up and do not put more than 15A on each circuit. If the equipment only states wattage, divide wattage by 120V to get current in Amps.
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