Quote:
Originally Posted by The Guy
By code a 15 amp circuit is allowed a total of 1200 watts. So traditionally each 15 amp circuit has 12 outlets of lights & plugs rated for 100 watts at each outlet. Most of us that have aquariums use a power bar to operate the various things such as heaters, skimmers, lighting etc. When you plug a power bar into a wall outlet, remember to choose a wall plug in that's not on a circuit that's heavily loaded. So do the math and figure out your total wattage for your aquarium and what's on the other plugs in that circuit to try and keep it at 1200 watts maximum. For the sake of safety try and use at least 2 different circuits especially if your have high wattages such as MH lights & heaters. I also agree that your power bar should be mounted in the driest area possible to avoid salt creep causing you grief.
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You're correct that a 15A circuit is not allowed to be loaded up to 15A. Almost all breakers out there are only rated for 80% capacity, 100% rated breakers are rare(usually in large commercial and industrial where there is no space for a larger breaker frame size)
I forget if the 12 plugs per circuit is a code rule or just a rule of thumb, either way, 10 to 12 devices on a circuit is the norm. Each plug is still rated for the full load of the circuit though, not 100 watts. Just if you plug enough stuff in it will trip the breaker...