magnethead

ok, i can't seem to find a fitting forum for this question, so i figured there might be a LAN party hoster on here or something...

I've read this page, but i have some slightly different and more specific plans.

Here's the list of everything in my room. I've had all 4 computers on simultaneously, but not sure if i'd want to run all 5 at once.

I've got 4 power strips daisy-chained, where 2 strips support 3 computers.

Power Strip 1: extension cord (power strip 4), external CD burner, steering wheel

Power Strip 2: Power Strip 3, satelite, extension cord (black light & ball of light), TV, sound system, DVD player, router

Power Strip 3: Desk fan, second steering wheel, desk light, monitor1 (LCD), tower1, cell phone charger, computer speakers

Power Strip 4: Monitor2, tower2, computer fan (transformer), monitor3, power strip 5

Power Strip 5: tower3, monitor4, tower4

2nd outlet: monitor5 & tower5


our house is on all 20 am breakers, but not sure if wiring is 14 or 12 gauge.

going by formula on linked page,

Computers have an average draw of ~ 140 watts each = 700
LCD monitors about 70 Watts each = 70 watts
CRT monitor about 120 Watts = 480 watts
desk lamp, ceiling fan, desk fan, lights (coil) = 40+?+42+90
steering wheels: 60+60= 120
PC speakers: 60 watts
------------------
= 1600 watts of a 1900 rating.

then you have TV, stereo, satelite reciever, dvd player, the jerry-rigged computer fan for one of the computers, and a router. So i have a feeling i need to find a second circuit breaker to tap off of.

(sorry for the long post....)

I have:

3x 14" CRTs
1x 15.5" CRT
1x 17" LCD.
Dell Optiplex 260 (barebones; HD and single CD only)
Dell Dimension 4600 (graphics card, dual HD, factory PSU)
Dell Optiplex GX1 (single HD, dual CD)
Brand unknown (barebones)
Compaq EZ2200 (dual CD single HD)

only the 4600 is used for game, the rest are basically internet terminals. I talked to my computer teacher at school, he says we have about 8 or 9 fully-loaded PCs each with 15" CRT's all sharing a breaker, we have 18 stations on 2 breakers.


QUESTION: am I too perilously close to popping a breaker or should I be fine with all 5 on?

95five-0

I am not sure about popping a breaker but I will add it is a fire hazzard to daisy chain power strips off each other. They should each have their own wall outlet.

dai

i have to agree the daisy chaining is not recommended,if it does throw out there is the danger of a surge

speedster123

It better be 12 guage wiring, as 14 guage wiring doesnt support a 20 amp circuit. The 14 guage heats up too much before the 20 amp breaker trips

I personally would have a dedicated circuit for the computers and monitors, and instead of chaining power strips, I would install multable outlets at the location, make it a 15 amp circuit on 12 guage wiring. Remember, most recepticles are 15 amp rated.

I would invest some well spent money for a licenced electrician to do a service call, and advise you on how to handle the wiring, before you give your insurance agent.. angina.