How many outlets can I plug in and still maintain a safe threshold??

[Nem0]

So obviously tanks take lots of plugs/equipment. Where I'm putting my tank only has 1 outlet (with 2 socket plugs) that are feasible for me to use. I would be also using a heavy duty extension cord rated at 13 amps. I think I'll have 9+ plugs (2 ai primes, air pump for air driven skimmer, 1-2 heaters, 2-3 power heads, return pump, small led lights for the inside of the stand, and perhaps a small refugium light). I'll have 1 4 plug wifi powerstrip and 1 6 plug normal surge protector. I plan on running the extension cord to the wall outlet, and connecting each power strip to a different extension cord plug. Will this be safe? Is there a formula to calculate total amps or what is a threshold for a normal wall outlet. Just don't want to have an electrical blowout -- have had these before and theyre not fun.

**sorry if the electrical terms are not correct, I don't really know anything about electricity besides if you plug it in, it works lol. let me know if there needs to be a clarification of any sorts**

 

[rkpetersen]

What you have described sounds like it shouldn't be a problem for a normal US wall outlet.
That's assuming that the circuit that the outlet is on has no other devices plugged into it in other outlets.
Total number of devices plugged in isn't important, it's the total current draw on the entire circuit that matters.

Optimally, you'd first want to determine which of your other outlets in the house are on the same circuit, and what's plugged into them.
You can do this easily enough by turning off the circuit breaker to that outlet and then seeing what other outlets and lights are also off.

A typical circuit can handle 15 amps (the circuit breaker will tell you exactly.)
If no other outlets or overhead lights are on the same circuit, the aquarium can use all of that.
These days, the most power hungry aquarium devices are typically the heaters.
LED lights, in particular, draw relatively little power compared to other lights.

Your equipment list shouldn't bring you anywhere close to the limit.

Let's say you have 2 100W heaters.
Two AI Prime lights - 55W maximum each.
Something like a VarioS 6 return pump - 70W maximum.
Something like two MP40 powerheads - 40W maximum each.
Air pump, fuge light, other lights - less than 100W total.

Total maximum of 560 watts (and you would generally be running much less).
That's around 5 amps current.

No problem!

 

[Nem0]

AMAZING! thank you for such a knowledgable answer. good to know I am safe for my endeavors In the 2 wall outlet plugs, i do have an extension cord powering a small desk lamp and sometimes a mac computer charger. shouldn't be a problem right?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

So obviously tanks take lots of plugs/equipment. Where I'm putting my tank only has 1 outlet (with 2 socket plugs) that are feasible for me to use. I would be also using a heavy duty extension cord rated at 13 amps. I think I'll have 9+ plugs (2 ai primes, air pump for air driven skimmer, 1-2 heaters, 2-3 power heads, return pump, small led lights for the inside of the stand, and perhaps a small refugium light). I'll have 1 4 plug wifi powerstrip and 1 6 plug normal surge protector. I plan on running the extension cord to the wall outlet, and connecting each power strip to a different extension cord plug. Will this be safe? Is there a formula to calculate total amps or what is a threshold for a normal wall outlet. Just don't want to have an electrical blowout -- have had these before and theyre not fun.

**sorry if the electrical terms are not correct, I don't really know anything about electricity besides if you plug it in, it works lol. let me know if there needs to be a clarification of any sorts**

I take amp reading at CB panel, when I remember. Just to make sure I'm within specs. I only have 40 gallons for now. So my amp draw is apprx. 11amps. I have two chillers, no lighting (non-photosynthetic corals), pumps,etc....

 

[Paul B]

Technically if your extension cord is rated for 13 amps, you can use it for 13 amps. (about 1500 watts) The problems come about when we exceed the rating for extension cords. The breaker (or fuse) won't trip until it exceeds your (probably) 15 amp breaker (or fuse) but your cord is only rated for 13 amps so there is a possibility (not likely) that the cord will melt after 13 amps. It will however will get quite hot if used past 13 amps.

Fires are normally started when we use those cheap 8' cords that are normally #18 wire and are only rated at about 10 amps. If we plug in a load of 15 amps on those, they could melt and easily cause a fire. They are normally made of vinyl which burns.

1500 watts is about 12 1/2 amps. Amps = Watts divided by volts. We say voltage in most homes is 120 but it is usually closer to 115 or even 110

So add up all your wattages on that cord and divide it by 110. That would give you your (approx.) amps.

(I used the terms "Aprox and about" because voltage measurements vary slightly depending on how far your house is to the utility pole and some other factors. )

(Electrician 50 years, But I am old so I make a lot of mistakes. )

 

[Jekyl]

Dont think I saw anyone mention it but make sure that plug you are using is a GFCI. Just one more layer of protection

 

[Nem0]

Dont think I saw anyone mention it but make sure that plug you are using is a GFCI. Just one more layer of protection

It is not, and there aren't any in my room. Bad news?

 

[Jekyl]

It is not, and there aren't any in my room. Bad news?

It's just added protection. About 15 or 20 dollars each and easy to install.

 

[Ling_Thing]

Dont think I saw anyone mention it but make sure that plug you are using is a GFCI. Just one more layer of protection

This can be a tricky subject. Gfci is only for your own protection not the equipment like arc fault protection but I wouldn’t want any of my aquarium equipment on a gfci simply due to the fact that they trip so easily especially near water! Now if I had an apex that told me something tripped that would be one thing but I don’t have an apex yet so I wouldn’t want to constantly be worried if my gfci tripped and my tank goes without power heat or flow....I’m an electrician FYI

 

[rkpetersen]

This can be a tricky subject. Gfci is only for your own protection not the equipment like arc fault protection but I wouldn’t want any of my aquarium equipment on a gfci simply due to the fact that they trip so easily especially near water! Now if I had an apex that told me something tripped that would be one thing but I don’t have an apex yet so I wouldn’t want to constantly be worried if my gfci tripped and my tank goes without power heat or flow....I’m an electrician FYI

I run an Apex and use GFCIs, but if I go out of town, even just overnight, I take everything off GFCI first.
Risk is too high with absolutely nothing to be done if it trips while you're gone.

 

[Ling_Thing]

I run an Apex and use GFCIs, but if I go out of town, even just overnight, I take everything off GFCI first.
Risk is too high with absolutely nothing to be done if it trips while you're gone.

amen brother