Check out some similar questions!

ltaggart · Feb 8, 2011, 01:13 PM

This is for a large Power House display at an upcoming Earth Day Festival. We want to plug a bunch of household appliances into various energy monitoring devices to demonstrate the amount of energy consumed by typical homes. We plan to power down and power up all the appliances at various times throughout the Festival. Ideally I'd like to include a fridge, toaster, microwave, coffee pot, TV, dvd, computer, printer, speakers, hair dryer, electric toothbrush, and maybe a window AC unit. My guess is that we'll overload the circuits in no time. Is there any way around this other than using generators?

tkrussell · Feb 8, 2011, 03:26 PM

I certainly understand the intent of the show. Could be very informative.

There is so much that needs to be considered that this is not the best method of collecting advice to producing a technical show such as this at what I believe could be considered as a Place of Assembly in the eyes of NFPA.

The potential for an electrical failure or event is too likely, esp in a crowd, with other possible similar shows on going.

I implore you to hire an electrician to look over exactly what you have for the quantity and size of appliances involved, the power and circuit distribution capabilities of the venue, exposure of wiring to the public, and so many other details.

ballengerb1 · Feb 8, 2011, 03:58 PM

Why not just plug them in one at a time and use a meter called a Kill-o-watt. Google My power company gives these out to schools free and they also sell them to homeowners. As you can see they are on the net too.

ltaggart · Feb 8, 2011, 04:58 PM

We are in the process of hiring an electrician - just wanted to get a jump start on conceptualizing the display. Thanks for the advice. I agree, it is imperative to have an expert review the plan and be onsite. Check.

What is a Place of Assembly per NFPA?

Also, to ballengerb1 - we will be using various energy monitoring devices including the Kill a Watt meter and other devices that measure multiple devices at once with data accessible via the web (i.e. an online dashboard). The intent behind the project is to demonstrate the total amount of energy consumed by all devices, not individual devices one at a time.

ltaggart · Feb 8, 2011, 05:14 PM

Also, the event will be held in a park, and this particular display will be under a large canopy. We will be running power from two circuits about 500 feet away in a small utility building located at the park. We typically have extension cords running all over the place at this event, so the electrician has his hands full for sure.