View Full Version : Split Wattage?
nomadcanuck
Oct 26, 2013, 07:40 PM
Hi,
I live in a building where the maximum load on one circuit is 2880 watts. However, there are two other circuits nearby that I can plug into. I want to use a device that uses 4000 watts. Is there anyway or any device that I can use to split the wattage to draw from two circuits?
I know very little about this so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
thanks very much!
ma0641
Oct 26, 2013, 07:47 PM
No, can't be done. Trying to split a circuit like you propose would
Cause phasing difficulty and be impossible. What device draws 4000 watts at 120 VAC?
hkstroud
Oct 26, 2013, 08:32 PM
the maximum load on one circuit is 2880 watts.
How are you determining that?
As Brian ask, what is that device and what is its voltage.
At 120 volts, 4000 watts is 33.33 amps. I know of no 120 volt plug in appliance at that amperage.
nomadcanuck
Oct 26, 2013, 09:49 PM
Hi there,
Thanks for the response. I'm an expat in Asia and we are using 220 volts. The device I'm referring to is a 4-element heating range. Each element draws a maximum of 1000W according to the description of the product...
hkstroud
Oct 27, 2013, 06:45 AM
Wattage divide by voltage equals amperage.
You should be using total wattage if given.
4000/220= 18.18 amps
What is amperage of available circuit. Conductor size must be 12 gauge by USA standards.
Stratmando
Oct 27, 2013, 01:05 PM
The Max he says can be used on one circuit is 2880 watts(13.1Amps).
Each element draws 4.54 Amps.
Two elements are fine.
3 Elements would be drawing 13.62(3X4.54) at Full Blast.
hfcarson
Oct 28, 2013, 04:15 AM
Why not try it? If the breaker trips then you'll need to rethink this...
But, try it!
Stratmando
Oct 28, 2013, 06:16 AM
Nomadcanuck.
The Danger in Plugging into 2 outlets to increase the Capacity, is you would need 2 Male plugins, if 1 was unplugged, Its Prongs would be Exposed and LIVE.
Sort of like a "Suicide Cord" for a Generator, also Dangerous and Kills.
hfcarson
Oct 28, 2013, 06:21 AM
Let me clarify... do not do anything creative! I'm suggesting you plug in the range and see if the circuit holds before you go any further...
Altering the range or outlets is a bad idea as Strat has already advised.
Stratmando
Oct 28, 2013, 06:43 AM
Hf, Although unclear what you said, I knew you meant to Test the Cooktop, NOT to Try the "rig".
Take Care.
Your past posts/advice shows your no dummy, Take Care
hfcarson
Oct 28, 2013, 06:47 AM
Thanks Strat, made my Monday!