Is this enough electric?

[ReeferBob]

I got the materials to run the electric for my in-wall project. I got 2 new 15 amp breakers. I am going to do two new runs (14/2) to a double gang box with 2 GFCI outlets, each on a difference circuit. From those outlets I will use power strips. I also have another plug on the same wall that was existing but has a lot of outlets run from it so that will be used only if necessary. I know I probably should run 12/2 and 20 amp circuits but it is twice the price to do that and I really don't think I need it.

This is all for a 120g tank with all the usual components. Probably 400 watts of light total, 400 watts for the heaters, etc. Could also be a chiller on there in the future.

Should be enough right?

 

[Eric B]

You can probably get by with the 15 amp stuff but I always use 20 amp service for my aquariums especially since you are going with 400 watts of lights and 400 watts of pumps/heaters etc. You might over load it if a chiller is needed and as always we always find more additional equipment to add to our tanks. If you are going to stay with the 15 amp stuff I would probably run a 3rd circuit just for future upgrades and you can also use it for now just to spread out the load. I always like to put return pump on 1 circuit and power head/closed loop on a separate circuit in case one pops the breaker and is not noticed right away then at least you have some flow in the tank and if running 2 heaters I would separate them as well.

 

[Slickwill613]

I=p/e so 800/120=6.6amps

That's just one circuit. You'll be fine, chech the draw of your chiller though.

 

[fjpod]

Two new 15 amp circuits should be fine, but I would run 12/2 wiring even if I use 15 amp breakers and receptacles. You never what the future will bring.

 

[Slickwill613]

6.6 amps isn't even half of one circuit. I can't imagine what else you'd plug in tank related that could draw that many amps.


However, if it were me I'd spend the money and use 20amp breakers and 12/2 romex, that small stuff is for mobile homes.

 

[Slickwill613]

You can probably get by with the 15 amp stuff but I always use 20 amp service for my aquariums especially since you are going with 400 watts of lights and 400 watts of pumps/heaters etc. You might over load it if a chiller is needed and as always we always find more additional equipment to add to our tanks. If you are going to stay with the 15 amp stuff I would probably run a 3rd circuit just for future upgrades and you can also use it for now just to spread out the load. I always like to put return pump on 1 circuit and power head/closed loop on a separate circuit in case one pops the breaker and is not noticed right away then at least you have some flow in the tank and if running 2 heaters I would separate them as well.

20amp service? That's a mighty small panel in your house.

 

[Slickwill613]

Two new 15 amp circuits should be fine, but I would run 12/2 wiring even if I use 15 amp breakers and receptacles. You never what the future will bring.

There is no reason to use 12 awg wire on a 15 amp breaker, the ocpd is made to protect the wire and equipment and will trip before overheating of the wires can occur.

 

[LukeG]

I'd put in multiple outlets before using cheap surge protector strips.

 

[ReeferBob]

One of my resolutions this year was not to spend on unnecessary expenses. I need a 250ft roll of cable for 3 runs which is $49 for 14/2 and around $100 for 12/2. Plus all of the plugs are about twice as much for 20 amp (I need two GFCIs). I will be using a surge protector as I don't think using just the outlets is a good idea. I will have a total of 4 outlets on two circuits with at least 2 power/surge strips - this should be enough. I also have the third existing outlet that I don't plan on using that I could if needed. And I am putting in another dedicated outlet higher up on the wall for the FIOS and Alarm system that I am relocating as part of the project which has very low draw so if it really came down to it I could use that as well.

 

[Eric B]

20amp service? That's a mighty small panel in your house.

Sorry just worded my statement wrong as I have a 200 amp service in my house but have been working way too much lately and limited sleep. :bigsmile:

 

[ReefPiracy]

14 gauge will hold 15 amps all day. Wires are way over built. Done 75,000-200,000 amp shots in testing panels wires never fail, everything else blows to pieces ;) Wires are way over built. Ran 400 amps on 6 guage wire, smelled kinda funny but held. ;)