Electrical outlet wiring

mr_scary · 04-02-2007, 09:44 AM

Having a network of up to 8 machines ultimately connected via one or two plugs into a wall outlet doesn't seem very solid to me. I figure there is a standard way to wire the outlet to achieve a direct connection. What are other people doing in this regard? I'm in Canada.

P

macemoneta · 04-02-2007, 09:56 AM

You want to speak to an electrician, so that he can tell you the local code. For my purposes, as long as I'm under 2/3 (67%) of the rating for the circuit (10A for a 15A circuit), I consider it OK. Since I always have a smart UPS between the equipment and the line, current monitoring is straight forward.

Chromezero · 04-02-2007, 10:16 AM

macemoneta is dead on here. Generally, 110v outlets in the USA and Canada are rated at 15amps. Depending on the power supply and hardware, you're likely drawing 2-3amps per computer, possibly more. In general, I try to have no more then 3 systems per circuit. Often times, electrical outlets in residential settings, are wired in the same circuit. You might have 2 or 3 outlets in one room but there's a good chance they're all on the same breaker and it's probably only rated at 15amps. Just a few things to think about.

J.W. · 04-02-2007, 10:53 PM

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Mod note: Not a Linux question

dasy2k1 · 04-03-2007, 04:36 AM

if you are in europe most 230V outlets are rated at 10-13 amps but the entire ring main is normally rated at 32A

you shoudl not directly wire anything as the fuse ratings are tehre for a reason.

my recomendatioon would be to try top divide the load over a number of outlet plates.
if this is not possable get an electrictian to install a seperate spur for the computers withat least a 16A supply, and seperatly fused outlets to the relivant standard (UK plusgs are fused anyway so having each on a seperate plug does this.)