Calculating Amp Draw of Components

[algaeguy]

Hi everyone:

I'm in the process of assembling my new system (well- assembling the gear, at this point!), and I was curious how you calculate how many amps your equipment is consuming.

In other words, how do you convert watts into amps? Is there a common formula?

Any electrical brains would be appreciated!

Scott

 

[Llarian]

Amps = Watts / Voltage

E.G. a 250W Metal Halide will use around 2.3A

Figure a little higher for ballast inefficiency though. Also, leave overhead for spiking. You never want to fully utilize a power leg, or fluctuations will pop your breaker all the time.

-Dylan

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=13921#post13921

Take a lookie here, and if you need specific help, I'll try and narrow it down some, but you will get good info at this link. Feel free anytime to PM me or reply here & I'll try to ASAP reply as time allows for a busy job lol.

 

[algaeguy]

Thanks, Scooterman- That link is great!

Scott

 

[highlands]

I bought a little device called a KiloWatt that you plug in between your equipment to be measured and the wall power. It gives very nice readings over time of actual power consumption. Radio Shack, among others, has it. I believe the cost was $30 or so. Well worth it. Move it around and discover where all your power is going.

 

[Scooterman]

I need to get something like that so I can total up my amperage, I hate getting close to the limits of a breaker, when I move my tank, I'll add two circuits dedicated just for it so I can sleep better at night, I'll probably build a panel or something of the sorts and enclose all of the wiring in a water tight Nema 12x fiberglass box.