Number of plugs inside stand?

tmerf11 · 09/28/2011, 03:28 PM

I'm having an electrician come out in 2 weeks to add the plugs that I'm going to use for the new tank (120 gal mixed) and was wondering how many plugs I could possibly ever need. I told him 5 receptacles, which means I've got room for 10 things just in the sump area (lights and vortechs will be up top). That should be enough, right? Skimmer,Main Pump, 2 heaters, Fuge Light and maybe a fan, and possibly a reactor pump or 2 down the road. Am I missing anything or is 5 good??

sporto0 · 09/28/2011, 03:46 PM

LOL, that should be plenty! I only have 2 receptacles. You can use power strips mounted inside your stand to increase the available outlets.

briankmarsh1980 · 09/28/2011, 03:57 PM

that should be good it's better to have more then not enough.

I have 2 receptacles but also use 4 power strips

tmerf11 · 09/28/2011, 04:01 PM

Cool... Thanks. I figured that would be plenty. I figured since I'm getting it done I'd have him mount everything instead of worrying about power strips and stuff.

snorvich · 09/28/2011, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmerf11

Cool... Thanks. I figured that would be plenty. I figured since I'm getting it done I'd have him mount everything instead of worrying about power strips and stuff.

Absolutely. Be sure each circuit is protected.

Indymann99 · 09/28/2011, 06:54 PM

I have 2 DEDICATED circuits for redundancy. I split as much equip as possible between them. 2x pwr heads on A, 2x pwr heads on B, skimmer on A, return on B, 1x heater on A, 1x heater on B. Half lights on A, half on B, etc.

Also make each cir GFCI.

tmerf11 · 09/29/2011, 05:05 PM

Roger that on the GFCI... Definitely have that taken care of. I think he's only bringing one circuit over though. Is it a must to have 2 circuits? I went through all the equipment and wattage and he thought I only needed one.

pete33 · 09/29/2011, 05:32 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it more important to have enough amps rather than outlets? The lighting itself would be close to 12 or so amps if using MH?

tmerf11 · 09/29/2011, 05:37 PM

I'm not sure actually... I'm not using MH though if that matters. Dimmable sunpower (8x54). Not sure what kind of amps that will draw.

Agu · 09/29/2011, 06:00 PM

If you're going to be paying an electrician adding outlets isn't the priority. Power strips plugged into correctly wired circuits are a lot cheaper than having an electrician add outlets.

Adding a circuit is the #1 priority. If one breaker/GFCI trips you want the other one to keep the tank going. As previously pointed out splitting equipment between outlets creates redundancy.

Priority #2 is to have both circuits protected by a GFCI at the first outlet.

markdem · 09/29/2011, 08:55 PM

Hi tmerf11,

Just in case you are interested;

amps = watts \ volts

So for your example;
8 x 54 watts = 432 watts
432 watts \ 120 volts (I think that's right for the US) = 3.6 Amps.

This does not take into consideration efficiency loss or power factor, but the difference for a load like this would be very close to 0 amps.

The above equation is also very useful when working out load capacity on a circuit. Add up all the wattage's of the devices, work out amps and make sure your circuit is rated for it. I think US home circuits are rated for 20 AMPS, but am not sure. Your electrician will be able to confirm that.

Have Fun

Mark

fishtankbroke · 09/29/2011, 09:15 PM

^ good math but other than microwaves most circuits are 15 amp in the US...Betting that the second circuit won't cost 2X...

billdogg · 09/30/2011, 06:45 AM

I agree with the two circuit minimum, both GFCI protected. I have had both power strips and receptacles in the stands I've built over the years. I think the receptacles give it a much cleaner look. I used 3 double boxes on 2 circuits to give myself 10 plug ins and a master switch for each side on my old stand for my 150g. I used 12g grounded wire to connect them to 20A GFCI receptacles in the wall behind the stand. I would suggest using plastic plug protectors to minimize salt/corrosion issues in the unused plugs.

JM.02

Chris27 · 09/30/2011, 07:33 AM

While I may get blasted for this....you may want to think about having one of the receptacles not be a GFI. While their reliability has gotten better over the years, they still can be touchy. I can't tell you how many threads I've come across over the years of people having their tanks crash simply because a GFI shut down, allowing their tank to go for hours without water movement. I agree that having a majority of the equipment on a GFI is the safe way to go, but for me, I don't want my tank to rely on such an unreliable piece of gear.

If you design and install the system properly, I.E. use drip loops, keep equipment off the floor, install spash guards, etc. a GFI isn't all that necessary.

tmerf11 · 09/30/2011, 08:40 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to call the electrician tonight and I think I'll end up with 2 circuits. Most likely 1 circuit for the lights and vortechs and maybe a backup heater and then 1 circuit for under the stand. That way if I trip anything underneath I'll still have the water moving.

09/28/2011, 03:57 PM	#3
briankmarsh1980 I'm a member of **!!!!!! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maricopa, Arizona Posts: 2,127	that should be good it's better to have more then not enough. I have 2 receptacles but also use 4 power strips __________________ My skim don't stink _______________________________________________________________ 210 gallons with stuff!!!!!!!

09/28/2011, 06:54 PM	#6
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I have 2 DEDICATED circuits for redundancy. I split as much equip as possible between them. 2x pwr heads on A, 2x pwr heads on B, skimmer on A, return on B, 1x heater on A, 1x heater on B. Half lights on A, half on B, etc. Also make each cir GFCI. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

09/29/2011, 05:32 PM	#8
pete33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Granada Hills, CA Posts: 259	Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it more important to have enough amps rather than outlets? The lighting itself would be close to 12 or so amps if using MH? __________________ 29 gal. Sea Clear / eshopps sump-overflow-skimmer / Eheim 1250 / Arctica chiller / BRS GFO Reactor / Belize Sun 250 W.

09/29/2011, 06:00 PM	#10
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	If you're going to be paying an electrician adding outlets isn't the priority. Power strips plugged into correctly wired circuits are a lot cheaper than having an electrician add outlets. Adding a circuit is the #1 priority. If one breaker/GFCI trips you want the other one to keep the tank going. As previously pointed out splitting equipment between outlets creates redundancy. Priority #2 is to have both circuits protected by a GFCI at the first outlet. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

09/29/2011, 08:55 PM	#11
markdem Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: melbourne, australia Posts: 30	Hi tmerf11, Just in case you are interested; amps = watts \ volts So for your example; 8 x 54 watts = 432 watts 432 watts \ 120 volts (I think that's right for the US) = 3.6 Amps. This does not take into consideration efficiency loss or power factor, but the difference for a load like this would be very close to 0 amps. The above equation is also very useful when working out load capacity on a circuit. Add up all the wattage's of the devices, work out amps and make sure your circuit is rated for it. I think US home circuits are rated for 20 AMPS, but am not sure. Your electrician will be able to confirm that. Have Fun Mark Last edited by markdem; 09/29/2011 at 09:01 PM.

09/28/2011, 03:28 PM	#1
tmerf11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 115	Number of plugs inside stand? I'm having an electrician come out in 2 weeks to add the plugs that I'm going to use for the new tank (120 gal mixed) and was wondering how many plugs I could possibly ever need. I told him 5 receptacles, which means I've got room for 10 things just in the sump area (lights and vortechs will be up top). That should be enough, right? Skimmer,Main Pump, 2 heaters, Fuge Light and maybe a fan, and possibly a reactor pump or 2 down the road. Am I missing anything or is 5 good??

09/28/2011, 03:46 PM	#2
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	LOL, that should be plenty! I only have 2 receptacles. You can use power strips mounted inside your stand to increase the available outlets.

09/28/2011, 04:01 PM	#4
tmerf11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 115	Cool... Thanks. I figured that would be plenty. I figured since I'm getting it done I'd have him mount everything instead of worrying about power strips and stuff.

09/29/2011, 05:05 PM	#7
tmerf11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 115	Roger that on the GFCI... Definitely have that taken care of. I think he's only bringing one circuit over though. Is it a must to have 2 circuits? I went through all the equipment and wattage and he thought I only needed one.

09/29/2011, 05:37 PM	#9
tmerf11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 115	I'm not sure actually... I'm not using MH though if that matters. Dimmable sunpower (8x54). Not sure what kind of amps that will draw.

09/29/2011, 09:15 PM	#12
fishtankbroke Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Safety Harbor Posts: 67	^ good math but other than microwaves most circuits are 15 amp in the US...Betting that the second circuit won't cost 2X... __________________ ************************************************************* 72 DT - Gold Maroon Clown pair, Starry Blenny, Royal Gramma, Frogspawn, Ricordia , Flame Hawk, Yellow Coris, Chiseltooth wrasse, Red Acan's, 2o or so- Astra Snails 15b BC- Midias Blenny, Clown Goby Current Tank Info: 72 bow front, 110 octopus skimmer, Blue line 55 1100 GPH, 15 gal sump

09/30/2011, 06:45 AM	#13
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I agree with the two circuit minimum, both GFCI protected. I have had both power strips and receptacles in the stands I've built over the years. I think the receptacles give it a much cleaner look. I used 3 double boxes on 2 circuits to give myself 10 plug ins and a master switch for each side on my old stand for my 150g. I used 12g grounded wire to connect them to 20A GFCI receptacles in the wall behind the stand. I would suggest using plastic plug protectors to minimize salt/corrosion issues in the unused plugs. JM.02 __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

09/30/2011, 07:33 AM	#14
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	While I may get blasted for this....you may want to think about having one of the receptacles not be a GFI. While their reliability has gotten better over the years, they still can be touchy. I can't tell you how many threads I've come across over the years of people having their tanks crash simply because a GFI shut down, allowing their tank to go for hours without water movement. I agree that having a majority of the equipment on a GFI is the safe way to go, but for me, I don't want my tank to rely on such an unreliable piece of gear. If you design and install the system properly, I.E. use drip loops, keep equipment off the floor, install spash guards, etc. a GFI isn't all that necessary. __________________ Fill your tank with $5 bills, add gasoline and light it on fire.....only then will you know the real cost of reefing. Current Tank Info: 180 Mixed Reef

09/30/2011, 08:40 AM	#15
tmerf11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 115	Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to call the electrician tonight and I think I'll end up with 2 circuits. Most likely 1 circuit for the lights and vortechs and maybe a backup heater and then 1 circuit for under the stand. That way if I trip anything underneath I'll still have the water moving.

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