Tweet
I recently got pulled into a situation where someone appeared to be overloading a circuit. Although everything also appeared to be operating correctly. By manufacturers rating printed on their computers they were running 40 amps worth of computers off of one 20 amp circuit. What are the risks with this? I was told that worse case scenario the breaker will pop. But I would like to know if fire or equipment damage is also a risk by running so much off of one circuit. Thanks.
-
-
Yes, the worst thing is the breaker will trip.
How do you determine there is "40 amps" worth of computers? You are aware the draw will not nearly be 40 amp at all times? -
how did you figure 40 amps worth of computers on a 20 amp circuit. this does not make any sense. what is the wattage draw of each computer? look at the nameplate of the machine - if it says 400 watts max then divide 400 by 120 and you'll get the amps. 400 divided by 120 = 3.3 amps. So.... 20 amps divided by 3.3 = 6 computers of 400 watts each.Comment
-
Each computer and server was stamped on the back with the wattage, and also the amperage draw. I added up all of the manufacturers spec numbers and it equaled 40. I can't remember exactly, but I think it was around 10 computers.Comment
-
OK, just add up all the wattages and tell me what you come up with. Better yet since you said the wattages and amps are on the nameplates. Take the watts on one unit and divide it by that unit's amps - you should get something close to the volts (i.e. 120 volts) let me know what you come up with.Comment
Comment