OK to run 1500 watts through a 120v timer?

[impeachme2]

Is it ok to continually (12/12) run 1500 watts through an ECO PLUS timer rated for 1875 watts, which is on a standard household 15 amp line? The line is only ~20 feet from the breaker. The devices are a 1000w, 400w (both magnetic ballasts), and a 110W fan.

Thanks!

 

[Lilly456]

NO it is not o.k..Your circuit should be at least 20 amps, one day its gonna pop on ya or worse, pop the timer and arc.1500 W is way to close to the safe max for 15amps.You may not have trouble today but .....Best of luck, Chaco.

 

[PharmaCan]

You are pushing it, especially if there is anything else on that circuit, or if your line voltage is below 120v. Here's some simple math:

1,500 watts divided by 120 volts = 12.5 amps.

1,500 watts divided by 115 volts = 13.0 amps.

Assuming you should not exceed 80% of the breakers rating:

15 amps x .80 = 12 amps.

Oooopps

The good news is, if the wire you have is 12 gauge, you can change the 15 amp breaker for a 20 amp breaker with no problem.

You are actually drawing a little more than 12.5 amps because, according to what I have read here on IC from knowledgeable users, the ballasts actually draw a tad more than what they are rated at.

PC

 

[PharmaCan]

NO it is not o.k..Your circuit should be at least 20 amps, one day its gonna pop on ya or worse, pop the timer and arc.1500 W is way to close to the safe max for 15amps.You may not have trouble today but .....Best of luck, Chaco.

This is kinda, sorta a little bit right. The danger is not in drawing 12.5 amps continuously through that line as it is. The problem comes when everything turns on all at once and there is a surge. That is what is most likely to pop the breaker.

Unless there is some kind of weird mechanical defect, there's two chances of the timer arcing - slim and none.

PC

 

[BiG H3rB Tr3E]

you are actually drawing MORE watts than you realize:::

your draw aprrox: 1k = 1100-1200 watts,,, 400w = 460

i have never had the equipment to prove or deny those claims,,, but that is the general rule of thumb for most ballasts and it was sourced from the manufacturer,,, so im only going on what they say....

you MIGHT be o.k. but that is SERIOUSLY pushing the allowance.

better to be safe than sorry,,, id run another line to the room or look into upgrading the 15a circuit...

dont be afraid to ask qustions around here,,, plenty of very experienced and knowledgeable users on IC

BhT

 

[Lilly456]

It was actually the start up that I was concerned with but I was in rush and and should have also mentioned a heavier gauge wire and a new breaker as mentioned above.I've wired up tons of growrooms but I'm not a cert electrician just a cert welder and can competently wire most any setup but I understand how I was "kinda" right and left out a few details.All the best and lets not be arcing or blowing faulty breakers etc.I have yet to burn down a house!!!YET!!Have the best day possible, Chaco. P.S I have seen 15 amp intermatic timers arc and catch on fire when overloaded on startup when somebody overloaded it on startup....I have..faulty trippers in the 15 amp circuit were to blame but the guy tried to run 2 1000W lamps after I told him not to.The weakest link in the line is going to arc, esp with a faulty breaker.Again best of luck, Chaco.

 

[PharmaCan]

It was actually the start up that I was concerned with but I was in rush and and should have also mentioned a heavier gauge wire and a new breaker as mentioned above.I've wired up tons of growrooms but I'm not a cert electrician just a cert welder and can competently wire most any setup but I understand how I was "kinda" right and left out a few details.All the best and lets not be arcing or blowing faulty breakers etc.I have yet to burn down a house!!!YET!!Have the best day possible, Chaco. P.S I have seen 15 amp intermatic timers arc and catch on fire when overloaded on startup when somebody overloaded it on startup....I have..faulty trippers in the 15 amp circuit were to blame but the guy tried to run 2 1000W lamps after I told him not to.The weakest link in the line is going to arc, esp with a faulty breaker.Again best of luck, Chaco.

One of these days I'm going to wire everything using relays, that way the timer itself will be carrying very little load.

PC