Electrical question

[SDBX2]

Hi.
I am currently running 2 600w lights off one plug.
I have the plug into a contact breaker and then into the plug socket.

The contact breaker says somethign like "Maximum load 3000 Watts".

I was thinking of adding a third 600W light. Is this ok to run all 3 off one plug?

I think my circuit is 15 amps in my house.

Thanks.

BTW - the lights are running off a 5 metre extension cord.
The plug and wall outlet do not get hot at all or even warm at the moment. They are completely cold to the touch - the contact breaker itself is slightly warm to the touch after the lights have been on for a few hours.

Thank you.

 

[Guest]

You should be fine thats far under max. rating,I'm not sure exactly how many amps are used by a 600W but add up the total amperage and if you're on a 15A circuit you shouldnt exceed 12A.

 

[Buzzsmirk!]

You should be fine thats far under max. rating,I'm not sure exactly how many amps are used by a 600W but add up the total amperage and if you're on a 15A circuit you shouldnt exceed 12A.

i think three 600s on a 15 amp is pushin it!!
i run 3 400s on a 20amp tandem (space is limited) and it gets pretty warm at the breaker still and i am way under!!! go figure

600 watts at 120 vac is five(5) amps exactly!!!
BUZZ!

 

[Guest]

If its 5 amps exactly you cant do it,it may work for a short time but you will be resetting the breaker during startup after awhile I can assure you.You need a 12 wire 20A circuit to handle 15A and thats pushing it

 

[Guest]

I just noticed something,when sizing loads never use ohms law I think thats where the 5 amps came from.Always go by the nameplate rating on the appliance,it should be rated in amps for different voltages

 

[SDBX2]

600 watts at 120 vac is five(5) amps exactly!!!
BUZZ!

WHOOPS! Sorry I should have said I'm in the UK with 240V AC - apologies.

So it would make them 2.5 amps each? Or not? ........

I understand these lights use more amps for startup than they do for just plain running after that. What is the situation here?

Ehm... do these answers still stand with this? Or am I ok?

TY for the answers so far by the way appreciate it.

Also - I don't understand - if the important thing is amps then why do they rate the contact breakers in Watts?

 

[SDBX2]

Oh also - I notice I have two 30 amp fuses in my main fuse box. Now one is for the cooker outlet (obviously) - I wonder what the other one is for. I assumed my circuit the lights are running off is 15 amps, but I wonder whether it's the 30 amp fuse. To test, I switch elec off for the house, and just take out fuses and see what doesn't work when it's turned back on I suppose?
Ooooooo..... might investigate, I hope it's the 30 amp circuit I'm running on.......or perhaps that's for the washing machine/fridge or something.

Anyway - gonna assume I'm on 15 amps for now to be on the safe side........

So - 1800/240 = 7.5 amps? This sounds a bit low for 3 600w lights........is this correct? If it is then what about the ignition phase of the lights? They all would come on at the same time.

Edit - sorry about newb elec questions, I'm no electrician but I try and play it safe anyway (obviously).

 

[Guest]

Whatever it says on the nameplate times three, should be under 12Awhich is the max for that circuit.Dont guess man you're too close to not be exact.They should be OK during startup if the breaker starts tripping when the lights come on you've got a problem