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Old 02-21-2003, 11:02 PM
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Quote:
Power (watts) = volts * amps so on a 125V system
Sorry but no it isn't. In a DC system that holds true. But due to the reactive nature of things like ballasts and pumps(as well as capacitances) in an AC circuit you can't use that formulae for AC circuit theory.

This is a myth-truth that people seem to think is real. It isn't...

When you multiply Volts x Amps in an AC circuit you get VA or Volt Amps. To find Watts you need to know the phase angle of the circuit. Current either leads or lags behind voltage(depending on if the circuit is inductive or capacitive). Changing what the Real Power(Watts) actually is. If you have done any work in high school math you will come across Sine waves. If the two sine waves are 100% in phase with each other you can multiply them to get Watts. But if one wave is following another you don't get the actual real power. You need to factor in the angle difference between the two waves to find the actual Wattage consumed by a piece of equipment. There is all kinds of math that goes along with this. But I won't go into that here. All you need to remember is that you AREN'T getting Watts when you multiply Volts x Amps in an AC circuit.

As well as it was pointed out it doesn't really matter how many watts you consume. the breakers don't monitor that. All they do look at is current. And how much is being consumed(passed through it). On our 120/240 home systems most breakers are designed to handle up to 110% of rated amperage for a specific period of time before tripping(if I remember the code right). I think that time is about an hour or so. Most trip much sooner than this depending on how high the current draw is above rated(Higher current faster it trips). I think the service factor for a home breaker is 1.2 or 1.15. Don't quote me tho. To be safe try to not max out your circuits for current draw. Aim a bit low. that way when you start up large consumers of current(ballasts etc) you can be sure that you aren't maxing out your breaker all the time.

Another reason for this is that breakers aren't just an electrical device. They are mechanical as well. And we all know that with overuse mechanical devices do break. So if you are regularly tripping and resetting your breakers, seriously consider re-thinking your wiring to lessen the load. In time with repeated cycling open and closed of that breaker you are wearing parts inside of it out. As well increasing the chance of it breaking and you not being able to re-set the circuit or it locking in an closed position and you drawing too much current though it. With possibilities of more dire consequences.

Chris,

I'd serioulsy take a look at running a second line now. Tripping your breaker when you turn your stereo on if the heaters happen to be on isn't a good thing. Your breakers are telling you that you are running too close to max recommended ratings. Possibly even over. IMO very unsafe.
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