Power box dpc 7500 120v

MistaRasta

MistaRasta

Well-Known Member
Hi all, how many amps do I need to run this controller?

It allows up to 60 amps over 6 120v connections. I was planning on plugging it into my dryer plug downstairs but don't know if I have enough juice to run this thing the way I'd like.

I'm pretty sure the plug is on a 30 amp breaker.
 
Ammastor

Ammastor

Active Member
the guy above is right on. all a 240v outlet is is 2 - 120 lines. Some people buy special breakers for a dryer or a electric oven(pretty much 2 breakers in one). But others I have seen use 2 separate breakers. They range from 30 amp to 60 amps. Commercial applications you can get way into the 100 amp range. But all you will need is 2 30 amp breakers. and as he said above. 80%. I try to keep everything around the 65-70% range is I have to go hot as I call it. never go over 80% cap. As it turns into more of a fire hazard. Better safe then sorry.

Something
else to check on is how old the wiring is. If you live in an older house you might want to check to see if it is up to date. Make sure the 240v outlet is wired with 4 wires. Should be Black, Red, White, bare or green. Just in case you did not know.

Hope this helps.....
 
SnapsProvolone

SnapsProvolone

Well-Known Member
Gordon Shumway said:
Breaker will trip at 125% the rated amperage, not 80%. Powerbox is garbage and does not pass NEC or CEC requirements.
Click to expand...
Really? I beg to differ. The OCPD should break at 80%.

Now one can use 125% FLA to determine a proper feed ampacity. For example, a 40 amp FLA × 1.25 = 50 amp feed. Note that 80% of 50 is 40. ;)
 
SnapsProvolone

SnapsProvolone

Well-Known Member
Gordon Shumway said:
Beg to differ all you want, 80% is recommended load and 125% is max a breaker can handle before it trips.
Click to expand...
Incorrect. Check your NEC. You've confused continuous rating for conductor sizing.

OCPD should not allow for a continuous draw of %80 or greater.

If you beg to differ, consult the NEC and if you still differ offer your license up...
 
Gordon Shumway

Gordon Shumway

New Member
You should learn about electrical before making comments, a breaker will never trip at 80%, it's obvious you are not a licensed electrician.
 
Ammastor

Ammastor

Active Member
What part of the world are you in. Most breakers now are designed to trip at 80-90% depending on manufacturer. For safety reasons. Why would you want a circuit running as say 120%. In the 125% range could be pulling right under the trip current. That is asking for a fire depending on your setup. The older breakers did not have accurate specs and would run over the max current. The new ones do not. They run under. That is because of the new regulations that were imposed. Guessing you are were an electrician. If so you need to get an updated code book. Your gonna be burning someones house down.
 
Ammastor

Ammastor

Active Member
Not being weird here but there was an update to that. That was published in 1996. That is what I referenced earlier was the new codes. The newer breaks aren't design the way they were in the 90's. They are now made to pop at 80-90% and have a cap at 100%. Anything over 90% is considered a fire hazard in most cases. But under special circumstances and applications it can be changed.

Be honest it really doesn't matter what they are rated for. What the user needs to find out is what his load is going to be. Plan for that. Just make sure your lines and breaker can stand your load. As a general rule stay under 80%. Why someone would want to push it past that and risk there house or getting busted (if your illegal) isn't really worth it.

I wasn't trying to argue here. Just thinking about the safe way. Which is the 80% rule. Stay under that and it significantly lowers your chances for fires. It is a safety issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top