Amp draw, circuit overloading!
#1
12-12-13, 09:22 AM
Amp draw, circuit overloading!
I bought an AC clamp meter and a line splitter recently and have been testing some appliances around the house.... I noticed that many are consuming more current than their nameplates suggest.... for example I have a microwave rated at at 9.5 and its kicking out well over 10 amps.
Now I am starting to worry with that particular 20 amp circuit.
I have the microwave plugged into the same circuit as a fridge (around 7 amps) and about 300 watts of light/ceiling fan combination. Theres also a coffee pot (that kicks out about 6 or 7 amps) on that circuit, although is never is used at the same time as the microwave..... that would probably cause the breaker to trip??
Am I overloading this circuit?
Now I am starting to worry with that particular 20 amp circuit.
I have the microwave plugged into the same circuit as a fridge (around 7 amps) and about 300 watts of light/ceiling fan combination. Theres also a coffee pot (that kicks out about 6 or 7 amps) on that circuit, although is never is used at the same time as the microwave..... that would probably cause the breaker to trip??
Am I overloading this circuit?
#2
12-12-13, 09:30 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
The refrigerator is not constantly running so that part of the load is not much of a concern. The issue would be if you tried to use several appliances and the refrigerator cycled on. Unless the breaker is tripping I would not worry about it. Simply because you have a potential load plugged in does not add to the circuit load unless it is turned on.
The lighting should not be on the kitchen small appliance circuits.
The lighting should not be on the kitchen small appliance circuits.
#4
12-12-13, 10:13 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
They only factor in if they are on. Again, if the breaker is not tripping I would not be too concerned. A new 20 amp circuit could be added to the countertop if needed.
