Electrical question

[natrone23]

I have a bedroom/bathroom that has 2 20amp circuit going to it. (if I'm looking at this right, at the circuit breaker the switches have the 20 on them and I guessing that is 20 amps?.)

If I have 2 20 amp circuits how many watts can run? This will be 120v BTW.






Budporn?Purplewreck

 

[caljim]

Watts = Voltage X Amperage

W = (120 x 2) x 20

Watts = 4800

Of that 4800 watts you really only want to use 80%, because some of your loads will be considered continuous.

So 4800 x 80% = 3840 watts.

Thats the readers digest version. Before you start plugging in power strips and such, check to see that the recepticles are rated for 20 amps. Dont be surprised to find them rated at 15 amps a piece.

When in doubt, call an electrician.

 

[natrone23]

awesome man thats all I needed to know Thanks

 

[foaf]

as important as the outlets being 20 amps, maybe more, make sure that the circuit breakers are correct for the wire size, most houses have 14g wire and should only have 15 amp breakers on each circuit, you need 12g wire for a 20 amp breaker, It is likely correctly sized but its easy to check. Its printed on the romex sheath and you can see it by taking the faceplate off of the breaker box and looking at the romex sheath that goes to those breakers. Should say 12 3 .

 

[sparkjumper]

Using ohms law when sizing circuit size gives you a ballpark figure at best.Always use the name plate rating in amps when you go to size circuits,wattage shouldnt be a part of it.JUst add nameplate rating in amps and make sure it doesnt exceed 80% of your circuit breaker rating