electricity question

[jc]

How do I know if I am adding to many items to a plug? I just had a new plug installed near my aquarium. It is running to its own 20a breaker from the outside box. They were going to install a quad outlet but because of space they were not able to. I want to plug 2 rkm-pc4 modules from digital aquatics to it. They are basically a 4 outlet strip. Am I supposed to add up the amps from all the plugs? Here is what I plan on plugging in: 1 accustart t5 ballast with 2 24" bulbs, 1 maxijet 400, 1 maxijet 1200, 19w pc fuge light, 1 koralia 4, 1 tunze osmolator, and a titanium ground. I would like to add a vortech pump at a later time. If it helps my 2 existing rkm-pc4 strips are reading between 2.5 and 3.0 amps each.

[R_S_C]

yes, i believe you just add them up. the only thing i'm not sure about is the T5 ballast, most ballast draw more amps to fire the bulb and then revert to a lower draw to sustain the light.

i bought me one of these to test my stuff out - http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/388_254

only downside is it has a max draw of 15 amps...so it may not help in your case?

[Bill S]

Jacob,

Just remember Ohm's law, and you will be fine.

Amps = watts/voltage

Don't exceed... No, don't get close to, the 20A total, and you'll be fine. Remember that the amperage on a box is usually rounded up to the nearest amp - watts are a much better indicator. Voltage is 110.

[jc]

One of the good things about the reefkeeper elite is that it reports the amps drawn for each power strip. It will even log and graph the results. I assume it is accurate. I keep hearing about those kill-a-watts. I should get one. Thanks for the info guys.