Watts, amps and volts

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed May 04, 2016 3:52 pm

What is the maximum wattage (is that a word) that I can put on 1 15 amp fuse? They blow at more than 12 amps, right?
I have a 400 watt incubator, a 150 watt broody lamp and a 175 watt broody lamp on the same circuit. There are probably some light bulbs on that circuit too......... not sure how the house is wired but it's an old house with fuses. I calculated 6 amps. is that safe?

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Wed May 04, 2016 4:25 pm

I can answer one of your questions : yes, wattage is an actual word.
I will ask hubby your other question when he gets home, since he knows more about that sort of stuff than me. Or maybe Al will read your post in the meantime and help you out.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed May 04, 2016 4:51 pm

Thanks Jaye. So far I have the incubator running (400 watts) and one 175 watt brooder lamp, house is still standing. I wired a smoke detector above the heat lamp....
NEXT TIME BROODIES!!!!!!!! I don't believe I have read any reports where a broody has spontaneously combusted.

ross · Post by **ross** » Wed May 04, 2016 5:10 pm

6 amp draw on a good 15 amp fused circuit is no problem . You could put your inc on a short gang Ext with a 15 amp breaker already in it for extra safety so it blows that breaker before other . Luck

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed May 04, 2016 5:46 pm

Ross that's a great idea, I think I even have one of those! Thanks!

ross · Post by **ross** » Wed May 04, 2016 6:17 pm

Welcome Robbie . Still the same draw thru your house wiring but if an individual appliance has an issue the system is protected . Luck

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Wed May 04, 2016 6:27 pm

Basically, a 15 amp circuit can take a 1500 watt load but its dicey ..and worse with fuses....i generally top out around 1200 watts or whatever a toaster or tea kettle draw..not both...just add up the wattages and dont exceed the 1200 threshold and all should be fine..and Ross' suggestion is a good one...assuming that the unit wasn't made in a back room in china somewhere with fake CSA stickers

Post by **poultry_admin** » Wed May 04, 2016 6:52 pm

I second TomK and Ross's opinions and suggestions. Not an electrician either, but that math makes sense to me.

Doug The Chickenman · Post by **Doug The Chickenman** » Wed May 04, 2016 7:08 pm

We put the incubator on a computer UPS so if power goes out for a bit we are covered.
everything else is on surge protected power bars.

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Wed May 04, 2016 7:32 pm

OMG, of course - TomK, it makes sense that you would be an expert on this, since you are off-grid, and know all about amps and watts!