Electrician Help

[Eb0la11]

So I am wondering if I should get a dedicated circuit for my 165G reef tank. Right now I estimate the wattage this thing would run continuously at 1500-1800W.

If so, could I make do with a 15A circuit or will I need a 20A. I know getting a 20A is the safe way, but I might not be able to easily so just want to know if 15 would be ok in all likelihood.

[banditpowdercoat]

A 15 amp breaker is only rated for 80% continuous, so 1200W. You need a 20A circuit. I have a dedicated 20A for my 150g.

With the 20A circuit, you need to run 12g wire as well. I actually ran 10g to mine, but I happened to have some lying around form a previous job.

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Eb0la11

So I am wondering if I should get a dedicated circuit for my 165G reef tank. Right now I estimate the wattage this thing would run continuously at 1500-1800W.

If so, could I make do with a 15A circuit or will I need a 20A. I know getting a 20A is the safe way, but I might not be able to easily so just want to know if 15 would be ok in all likelihood.

I'm unsure myself; However I will ask my man this evening, as he's a certified Electrician.

[banditpowdercoat]

BTW, I am an Electrician as well.. I should acctually be working right now, but the pull of Canreef is to much HAHAHA

Honestly Boss, I was programming the Logic Controller

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

BTW, I am an Electrician as well.. I should acctually be working right now, but the pull of Canreef is to much HAHAHA

Honestly Boss, I was programming the Logic Controller

Hey I thought I was the only one that posted a reply to his thread! Oops.. sorry I must have been typing when you posted your reply.

All I know is I'm not a electrician or a plumber!

[blacknife]

imho I would rather have 2 15a cuircits, and split the load up.

not an electrician either, just a lineman..

[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by blacknife

imho I would rather have 2 15a cuircits, and split the load up.

not an electrician either, just a lineman..

Just a lineman LOL, Ya 2 15A circuts would be better. Run a 4 wire, Or 3 wire loomex(3 wires and a ground) then you use a 240V breaker, and you have 2 120V circuts, as well as possible 240V f you ever get European stuff.

[PoonTang]

Originally Posted by blacknife

imho I would rather have 2 15a cuircits, and split the load up.

not an electrician either, just a lineman..

I am in the process right now of running dedicated circuits to my tank after my big crash last month. I am going to run 2 x 15a circuits.