trying to decide if i need a dedicated circuit for my tank? the outlet near the tank that i was going to use(before i saw this thread..lol) has about 6 outlets/4 ceiling lights on it. it is a 15amp circuit with 12-2 wiring. the circuit runs in the den so there is the normal audio video load. tank is 120gallon with dc pumps and t5 lighting also running a chiller. am i over thinking it?
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Brew12
Electrical Gru
I agree with running a new dedicated line but it may not be necessary.
You can do some quick math to see where you are at. 15 amps is 1800 watts. Start at 1800 and subtract the power rating in watts of the light fixture and heaters (unless your chiller uses more power than your heaters). Take out another 150 watts for your return pump and power heads. If you have less than 800 watts left after doing that it is best to run a new circuit.
Or if it is an outlet you run a vacuum cleaner off of in that room a new circuit is a must.
yea.. a vacuum is definitely used on that circuit. so i should ask for one outlet with 12-2 ran to panel with one 15a gfci breaker? or would a wall gfci be better?
Brew12
Electrical Gru
At a minimum I would have them run a circuit to a 2 gang outlet and maybe even a 4 gang outlet. I would install separate GFCI receptacles (not daisy chained) so a loss of one piece of equipment doesn't take out your entire tank.
Go 20 Amp if you're going to run 12-2 anyways. Then use 20A rated receptacles.
I don't know about the 80% trip comment though, that would mean a 20A breaker is going to trip at 16A. Breakers don't trip based on reaching a precise value, meaning you can shoot past 20A for a short period of time and not trip or you can run at just below 20A for a longer period of time and it will eventually trip, depends on the breaker curve
I don't know about the 80% trip comment though, that would mean a 20A breaker is going to trip at 16A. Breakers don't trip based on reaching a precise value, meaning you can shoot past 20A for a short period of time and not trip or you can run at just below 20A for a longer period of time and it will eventually trip, depends on the breaker curve
Maaaan....I LOVE those OMRON timer/relays.
Expensive suckers, but, oh, so versatile.
jgvergo
Valuable Member
I'll try to keep this question short, but I may not succeed 
I recently had two power outages which I was unprepared for. I heated tank water on my gas stove and manually stirred my tank with a big serving spoon. I am now very motivated to get a generator.
I recently moved. In my old house, I installed a mechanical transfer switch in my electrical panel. The panel was in my garage and I was able to install a plug for a generator that was right next to the panel. I loved the solution because I could power any circuit in the house on or off (which meant my tank was protected). The logistics were pretty easy b/c I ran the generator in my driveway, which was 3' from my electrical panel.
In my new house, my panel is in a utility room that is 60 feet from where I want to place my generator. So my questions are:
1) Can I run a generator line 60-70 feet into a receptacle that is on a transfer switch?
2) Is there a good solution for how to get the generator power through a wall?
Here is a diagram that hopefully helps illustrates my questions:
Note that it would be too expensive to run a permanent line behind the walls from the panel to a location where I intend to run the generator.
I recently had two power outages which I was unprepared for. I heated tank water on my gas stove and manually stirred my tank with a big serving spoon. I am now very motivated to get a generator.
I recently moved. In my old house, I installed a mechanical transfer switch in my electrical panel. The panel was in my garage and I was able to install a plug for a generator that was right next to the panel. I loved the solution because I could power any circuit in the house on or off (which meant my tank was protected). The logistics were pretty easy b/c I ran the generator in my driveway, which was 3' from my electrical panel.
In my new house, my panel is in a utility room that is 60 feet from where I want to place my generator. So my questions are:
1) Can I run a generator line 60-70 feet into a receptacle that is on a transfer switch?
2) Is there a good solution for how to get the generator power through a wall?
Here is a diagram that hopefully helps illustrates my questions:
Note that it would be too expensive to run a permanent line behind the walls from the panel to a location where I intend to run the generator.
Brew12
Electrical Gru
Yes, you can. Just make sure you use properly rated cable.I'll try to keep this question short, but I may not succeed
I recently had two power outages which I was unprepared for. I heated tank water on my gas stove and manually stirred my tank with a big serving spoon. I am now very motivated to get a generator.
I recently moved. In my old house, I installed a mechanical transfer switch in my electrical panel. The panel was in my garage and I was able to install a plug for a generator that was right next to the panel. I loved the solution because I could power any circuit in the house on or off (which meant my tank was protected). The logistics were pretty easy b/c I ran the generator in my driveway, which was 3' from my electrical panel.
In my new house, my panel is in a utility room that is 60 feet from where I want to place my generator. So my questions are:
1) Can I run a generator line 60-70 feet into a receptacle that is on a transfer switch?
2) Is there a good solution for how to get the generator power through a wall?
Here is a diagram that hopefully helps illustrates my questions:
Note that it would be too expensive to run a permanent line behind the walls from the panel to a location where I intend to run the generator.
Erica-Renee
Valuable Member
I'll try to keep this question short, but I may not succeed
I recently had two power outages which I was unprepared for. I heated tank water on my gas stove and manually stirred my tank with a big serving spoon. I am now very motivated to get a generator.
I recently moved. In my old house, I installed a mechanical transfer switch in my electrical panel. The panel was in my garage and I was able to install a plug for a generator that was right next to the panel. I loved the solution because I could power any circuit in the house on or off (which meant my tank was protected). The logistics were pretty easy b/c I ran the generator in my driveway, which was 3' from my electrical panel.
In my new house, my panel is in a utility room that is 60 feet from where I want to place my generator. So my questions are:
1) Can I run a generator line 60-70 feet into a receptacle that is on a transfer switch?
2) Is there a good solution for how to get the generator power through a wall?
Here is a diagram that hopefully helps illustrates my questions:
Note that it would be too expensive to run a permanent line behind the walls from the panel to a location where I intend to run the generator.
What else is in the area where the generator will go.. By any chance a close laundry room HVAC .
Reason i ask.. You can feed your Generator (THOU NOT BEST PRACTICE BUT SAFE WITH CAUTION ) Thru say a Exterior ac unit... a Electric Range ... If they have a wire large enough and proper breaker in your panel.... It Really depends output of the generator what you want it to run...
Brew12
Electrical Gru
I normally recommend against this. Not that it can't work, but if you don't open the main breaker to your panel it can be very dangerous. Not only can you backfeed the service transformer but if power comes back while your generator is running it can damage the generator. It can even explode violently.
So yes, it will work. Yes, I do something similar. Just make absolutely sure that you isolate the main feed from the utility to your house prior to connecting the generator.
Erica-Renee
Valuable Member
Exactly.. That is my WITH CAUTION.. I think a main lock out device should be used as well as a Very Great understanding of what you are doing..
Was just stating there is a possible way..... WITH CAUTION....
thanks
I was simplifying that mount the receptacle where you want to and run a permanent approved cable tru basement or crawl and hardwire to the transfer switch. You really don't want a plug and receptacle connection there,
It will get hot and Inexpensive plugs/receptacles will breakdown and become fire hazards, Also Plug and socket connections are considered " Portable" and would require a more costly cable. Best would be to talk to a knowledgeable person at lowes or HD and they will help with your purchase and local requirements. Good luck and FWIW I recommend this style setup for portable hook ups (old school) 30+ years in the trade
It will get hot and Inexpensive plugs/receptacles will breakdown and become fire hazards, Also Plug and socket connections are considered " Portable" and would require a more costly cable. Best would be to talk to a knowledgeable person at lowes or HD and they will help with your purchase and local requirements. Good luck and FWIW I recommend this style setup for portable hook ups (old school) 30+ years in the trade
needbiggertanks
Well-Known Member
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I purchased the below; please help me know which is safest/best, or neither
I purchased the below; please help me know which is safest/best, or neither
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