Circuit OVERLOAD?

[bschuhart]

Will this be a problem?

My entire fishroom (12 tanks) is on the same 15 amp circuit.

1400w of heaters
44 watt air pump
200 watts of lighting

a computer

TOTAL 1700 watts on a 15 amp circuit


Is this safe?
Will it trip the circuit? (Murphy's Law, it will happen after a power outage or when I'm on vacation...)

 

[iamzrad]

1700 watts at 120 volts is 14.2 amps.
You might get a circuit overload. You would need a 20amp circuit. Because you are never supposed to run full 100% load on a circuit!

 

[Billy Rocket]

In a perfect world, I would put the heaters on one circuit and air pump on a different circuit.

 

[dogofwar]

I'd either beef up the circuit or split the load (especially the heaters).

In addition, you could make the fishroom warmer (keep door closed / open the vent more and/or add a space heater) so that the heaters aren't needed as much or at all.

Matt

 

[jonclark96]

Swapping out the breaker is the easiest answer unless your panel is in your fish room. A 20 or 30 amp breaker is not very expensive. Just make sure you write down what type of panel you have before you go to the store as you have to match the manufacturer on the panel and the breaker.

 

[RIFT_LAKES_RULE]

Unless you have 12g wire run from the panel you'll have to pull a seperate circuit. Upsizing the breaker without upsizing the wire is not only against NEC Code, it's a serious fire hazard. If you were to never go above the load you currently have it wouldn't be a problem but I don't recommend it unless you have 12g wire which is rated for 20a. Chances are you have 14g. Another note is the only time your pulling the whole load is when everything is on. I'd pull a seperate circuit if at all possible

Mike

 

[Pat Kelly]

Unless you have 12g wire run from the panel you'll have to pull a seperate circuit. Upsizing the breaker without upsizing the wire is not only against NEC Code, it's a serious fire hazard. If you were to never go above the load you currently have it wouldn't be a problem but I don't recommend it unless you have 12g wire which is rated for 20a. Chances are you have 14g. Another note is the only time your pulling the whole load is when everything is on. I'd pull a seperate circuit if at all possible

Mike

Agreed.
I have 3 circuits running to my fishroom.
That does not include the air pump which is in another room and on a different circuit