How many plugs on one outlet safe?

[Tommy081708]

I have 2 of the cheap, 4$, 5 outlet surge protectors plugged into one wall socket. To run my tank I have this plugged in:

150w heater

Smartwave hydor running 2 1150 pumps

2 current USA marine orbit led's

Emperor 400

Phosban reactor

Eshoppes skimmer

Smart (something or another) ATO



IS THIS TOO MUCH FOR ONE OUTLET??

I would think so but I know alot of it is energy efficient. I WILL NOT run extension cords...

[cjm5283]

A plug in your house is normally connected to a 15A breaker. That will be 1800W able to be used on each circuit. I say circuit because that is limited to every plug and outlet that is connected to that circuit breaker. If that is all that is plugged into that circuit then there is nothing to worry about.

[Crooked Reef]

What cjm5283 said. I have more plugged into my surge protectors and both are on the same outlet. I have never had any issues.

Mag 9.5 return pump
Koralia 1150
Koralia 750
Koralia 240
Koralia 425
4 Bulb t-5 fixture with moon lights (3 chords total)
150 watt heater
MJ1200 pump on my skimmer
MJ400 on a nitrate reactor
Refugium light.

You could always upgrade your surge protectors pretty easily if you want.

[JMorris271]

You need to add up all the amp drawn of everything you want to plugin to that 15 amp circuit. Pump 2.3 amps heater 3.1 amps ect If you go over that 15 amp limit or whatever size you have the breaker sized for,hopefully the breaker will open. Other wise you could have a hot problem.
If you need more amperage and your wiring and code will permit it, you can add a larger breaker switch. Call an Electrician if ever in doubt because it could be deadly.

[Crooked Reef]

You could also add a new dedicated breaker for the tank but if you dont know what you are doing it is dangerous. I would consult an electrician on this as well. I can add one in about 5 minutes if the wiring is already run by the breaker box. If you dont know what you are doing you could kill yoursef in the breaker box, even if the main breaker is shut off.

[ca1ore]

While the OP may have 15 amp circuits, 20 amp are actually more common which provides even more capacity. Based on the initial list of equipment, I'd say there is plenty of head room.

[snorvich]

Of course you could get a kill-a-watt and actually know how much you are drawing at any point in time. But some devices have peak requirements so factor that into your safety calculations.

[Reef Frog]

As a general rule, I never use energy hungry appliances on the circuit I have my aquarium on. That would include vacuum cleaners, power tools, space heaters, microwave ovens etc. A lamp or something like that is fine.

If these devices are run on the aquarium circuit, the 15 amp breaker can trip of course and I believe there is a possible risk of shortening the life of some electronic devices on the circuit. IMO a dedicated circuit is ideal.

[Spar]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Of course you could get a kill-a-watt and actually know how much you are drawing at any point in time. But some devices have peak requirements so factor that into your safety calculations.

+1 -- and I have always gone by the rule (self imposed, not sure where I heard it originally) of not going over 75% of each circuits capacity.

a lot of equipment, for instance certain lights (if not all), need a buffer for an initial surge.

[JMorris271]

Originally Posted by Spar

+1 -- and I have always gone by the rule (self imposed, not sure where I heard it originally) of not going over 75% of each circuits capacity.

a lot of equipment, for instance certain lights (if not all), need a buffer for an initial surge.

I was told 85% in school but that was eons ago. You brought back memories.