Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
(OP)
We have seen some 1650 watt heaters that run on 110 vac.
That is 15 amps of draw.
I thought legally you could only have 12 amps of current draw on a standard outlet. i.e. 12 amp vacuum cleaner
Unless you installed 12 ga. wiring and 20 amp breaker.
Is this wrong?
Paul
That is 15 amps of draw.
I thought legally you could only have 12 amps of current draw on a standard outlet. i.e. 12 amp vacuum cleaner
Unless you installed 12 ga. wiring and 20 amp breaker.
Is this wrong?
Paul





RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
The maximum continous current allowed is 80% of the breaker rating. The voltage divisor to be used is 120.
1650/120=13.75 Amps.
Your heater may not be approved or it may require a 20 amp circuit. The cord end may have been changed from a 20 amp cap to a 15 amp cap to facilitate use on a 15 Amp circuit.
respectfully
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
It is an imported heater and i dont understand how this company can legally sell it with a standard plug
Regards
Paul
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
Most likely, your heater is not a continuous load as defined in Article NEC 100 (max current expected to last for 3 hours or more). Breakers and branch circuits must be rated for 125% of continuous plus 100% of noncontinuous load per Article 230.
Noncontinuous load, 15A receptacle:
15A / 100% = 15A
15A x 120V / 100% = 1800VA
Continuous load, 15A receptacle:
15A / 125% = 12A
15A x 120V / 125% = 1440VA
Of course, if your heater was UL listed with a 20A plug on it, and it's fed from a 20A breaker & 20A receptacle, then you could provide 2400VA noncontinuous / 1920 continuous from your receptacle and you could run the heater non-stop.
There are other possibilities -- that UL has determined that your 1650W heater is safe to run with a 15A plug, or that your heater really only draws 1440VA and the rating shown is wishful thinking (ie, marketing).
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
with line voltage varying plus or minus 5% or 10%, it is cutting it close.
Paul
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
made in europe
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
Paul
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
the other 50 watts is for a small fan
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
The Canadian Code specifies a maximum of 15 amp x 80% x 120 volts = 1440 watts or Volt Amps. on a 15 amp breaker.
I believe the NEC is similar.
I have seen offshore equipment aproved for a 20 amp circuit with the cord end changed to a 15 amp cord end. It's nopt legal but it is done. You can take it up with a local electrical inspector if you don't mind taking the chance that your heater may be declared unusable on a 15 amp circuit. No problem if you have 20 amp circuits available.
respectfully
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
Does the heater act unusual in any ways like this PNA?
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
JRaef.com
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RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet
I would hate to see fires and other unfortunate things happen. With how stringent and crazy some labels are, it is surprising these appliances must be plugged into a higher rated circuit, and isolated at that.
What is the different between hookup up an electric dryer rated to operate on a 40 amp 220 circuit?
Should the hairdryer be made to operate on a 20 amp 120 circuit? Plugs, outlets and 12 ga wire are readily available for this application.
Even worse is trying to explain it to the family, that the girls cant be buying and pluggin in stuff like that at our house. Or it will be dark permanently.
Regards
Paul
RE: Maximum wattage allowed for 110 vac outlet