Power problems

[M A V I C]

I'm overloading my office and I know it. I've got one 20A circuit feeding this room. I could probably tap into the circuit of the adjacent room by punching a hole in the wall and putting an outlet in on this side.

That said, I'm trying to see if there's some other, possibly easier way to deal with it. Right now I've got two UPS's and three plug strips connected. They're not all full, some of the power bricks take up some space (eg, one plug strip has only two devices plugged into it.)

Overall I've got about 24 devices plugged in. Any idea how to best handle this?

TIA

[Racer X]

are the overhead lights on the same circuit? If so, switch to daylight CF bulbs, and maybe gain back 150 watts of available power. Or punch through the wall.

[M A V I C]

I forget if they are or not... either way the entire house is pretty much CF now.

[Racer X]

just checking.



maybe one of these?

[M A V I C]

I can't even tell what that is.

[Racer X]

suitcase generator. I keep forgetting that we never lose power here. But with you being from "up north" I figured you would know what it was.

[mikebw]

Well it's really not just the number of devices, but the total amps that they are drawing at any given time. If you are exceeding the limit for the circuit it would trip the breaker.

How many outlets are you using? Most regular outlets are rated for 15A. Divide your higher load devices between separate outlets if possible.

Make sure your extension cords are good thick gauge ones capable of supporting 15A loads. Same goes for the power strips. Thinner extensions and power strips will actually increase the load on the outlet because they will heat up under high loads, increasing resistance in the wire. UPS's draw power too. If you don't need them don't use them.

If you've got an outlet on the other side of the wall (from a different circuit) then you've pretty much got an outlet in your current room. All it would take is switching the box around inside the wall and moving the faceplate. Maybe not as easy a punching a hole in the wall, but if you're going to bust stuff up anyway at least this would be to code.

[Mr645]

Until recently, I was running 4 dual CPU Macs, 4 22" CRT's, 24 external hard drives, lights, network switches and a small fridge all from one 15A line.

We just added a new 20A line to the room

[mikebw]

And nothing blew up right? See, so you're probably fine MAVIC. Just make sure your power cords are not covered up or feel hot.

[M A V I C]

Thanks guys. The one main rule I'm breaking is daisy chaining. I've got plug strips plugged into the two pass through plugs on one UPS, and one plug strip plugged into a pass through port on the other UPS. This all comes off one outlet since the others are difficult to get to. Most stuff is very low wattage, and nothing too power hungry runs off a plug strip or extension cord.

I think I will just put in outlet in from the other room.