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View Full Version : 20 amp breaker can handle how much?


frankierozelle
Sep 24, 2009, 12:57 PM
To any one who knows about electricity and breakers:
I am purchasing a wine storage unit that will use 3 amps.
From the site on product: Power/Rating: 115V AC / 60 Hz; 3 Amps (compressor) / Up to 3 amps (light receptacle)

The electrical outlet I'd use is on a 20 amp breaker that is supporting the following:
*a hall closet light
*Master bedroom: all electrical outlets that currently have Cable box, DVD player, flat screen TV, 2 floor fans, 2 table lamps, 1 ceiling lamp/fan, clock radio
*common wall with 2 electrical outlets (nothing plugged in. this is where the wine unit is to be placed)
* 2 ceiling fan/lights in adjacent room.

All lamps and ceiling fan lights have from 40-60 watt bulbs; some with energy saver bulbs.

Will it be safe to plug the unit into an outlet, that shares the breaker with all these other applications? It is not the case that everything is on at once, but it is foreseeable all could be on at once and of course as soon as the wine is plugged in, it will be on frequently.

Or should I put it on its own breaker?

Thank you.
Frankie

hkstroud
Sep 24, 2009, 01:04 PM
Should be all right. Try it and see. Primarily depends on how much the TV pulls and the size of the floor fans.

frankierozelle
Sep 24, 2009, 04:49 PM
One floor fan draws .38A; the other .6A; the flat screen Sony draws 158W while in use.
Should I try to get the cable box and DVD amp/watts use, too?

Do you still think it will be OK? I really can't afford to spend as much as I'm spending on a wine & wine cellar to have the breaker blow.

I appreciate your help.