Running multiple 1k watt lights?

Hey RIU I was just wondering, I run 1600 watts right now and so far have not had any problems with electricity shutting off (due to overload) anyways I am 100% sure if I swap out my 600 watt and get a second 1k watt it will trip my electricity! So what is the best method to go about this to run multiple lights without trippng the electricity? I once read that someone on here installed some adapter that goes to the washer/dryer and allowed up to like 5k watts (and I only want 2k haha) am I crazy or does that exist?

is your 1600 watts plugg into one breaker? how many amps is the breaker?

If it is a 120v, 15A circuit, you can not run two:

1000w x 2 = 2000w
2000w / 120v = 16A ... this is well over the 80% load rule, and obviously past the max load of the breaker itself.

If you are running 240v 2 phase circuit, no problem at all, as it'll only put 8A on each phase.

However, I'm suspecting you are not running a 240v circuit.

A dryer is typically wired 240v 30A, which is max 7200w.

Now, considering all of this, if you decide to swap out a breaker for a larger one, always remember that if you don't gauge your wire correctly, it becomes the fuse and is a major fire hazard. (fwiw, 30A requires 10ga wire).

-spek

+1 to everything posted above. I'd just like to add that another option would be to run each on a different circuit.

I'm running 4k right now I had a buddy come run all new plugs and wiring to the breaker box best thing I could do I had him install a total of 18 plugs 6 plugs per circuit for a total of 45 amps runnin on 120v I have running in the room 4 1000watt lights 3 fans 2 portable ac units one 12,000 BTU and the other 8,000 BTU I'll post picks asap

thanks for all your help guys haha I will get someone to do the work properly, I am to novice to do my own wiring (i think) lol

smokajoe said:

thanks for all your help guys haha I will get someone to do the work properly, I am to novice to do my own wiring (i think) lol

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Unless you're an electrician don't mess with wiring. That is serious business. You can end up dead in a hurry doing the wrong thing.

i ran into the same problem building my grow room not to long ago, you have 3 options as far as I see it. use a extension cord and run one light off a different breaker. change out your 15amp breaker to a 20amp but only if you know what you are doing and know your electrical good. and 3rd find a cool electrician and pay him to install new outlets just for your lights.

twistedj420 said:

i ran into the same problem building my grow room not to long ago, you have 3 options as far as I see it. use a extension cord and run one light off a different breaker. change out your 15amp breaker to a 20amp but only if you know what you are doing and know your electrical good. and 3rd find a cool electrician and pay him to install new outlets just for your lights.

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Do NOT run an extension cord unless it is a gauge heavier than the existing breaker size, and there is absolutely no way whatsoever it is in the way of any possible mechanical damage (even someone stepping on it). Again, under-gauging an extension cord and the cord will become the fuse. Also, if there are ANY weak spots in the cord, it is a matter of if, not when you burn your house down.

8A doesn't seem like much, but remember that it is continuous load being pulled through the cable for long periods of time.

Pay an electrician. The few hundred dollars you spend, you'll make back by selling off a portion of your first grow. Don't sell? You'll save it by not buying yourself. Worst case, it's insurance so that if your house burns down, you have a licensed electrician to sue because you did of course get a proper contract signed.

-spek

I run 2 1k watters per breaker on 220 and don't run over 80 percent capacity.