How many feet of flexwatt can you use on one plug?

J

justin-branam

Guest
I have 15 ft of flexwatt that i hooked up (soldered) for my rack system, but just by feeling it, it seems like it is not nearly as warm as it should be (maybe 90 degrees or so, but that is the tape itself, not through the sweater boxes). i am wondering if 15 ft is too much for one plug. does it sound like to much or do you have any other ideas?
 
R

Russ S

Guest
is it all one piece? or did you solder several pieces together? what width of flexwatt? got pics?
 
J

justin-branam

Guest
it is the 3 inch flexwatt tape, 10 watt. i dont have a pic, but it is all in one piece, which is why i said 15ft of flexwatt (otherwise i would have specified multiple lengths soldered together).

my rack consists of 5 levels, each 32 inches wide. the tape is snaked through each level then up the side to the next level.

it does seem to have warmed up a little after being plugged in for a few hours, but for some reason, im still thinking it should be warmer, since i have seen claims of over 100 degrees.
 
Jeremy Letkey

Jeremy Letkey

Jaded by reality!!
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outta my freakin mind
At 10 watts per foot, 15 feet = 150 watts. A 15 amp breaker can handle 1500 watts. You should not have any problems.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified electrician. ( I just play one on tv).

I am currently running about 225 ft on one 25 amp breaker. No problems in 4-5 months.

Now onto a few other things. If it seems warm to you, than it probaly is. Our body temp is roughly 98 degrees.
I would suggest checking the temps with a digital thermometer and/or a temp gun. Also the temps will change as you add boxes and they trap the heat closer to the shelves.
 
F

FoHGoR

Guest
Jeremy Letkey said:
At 10 watts per foot, 15 feet = 150 watts. A 15 amp breaker can handle 1500 watts. You should not have any problems.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified electrician. ( I just play one on tv).

I am currently running about 225 ft on one 25 amp breaker. No problems in 4-5 months.

Now onto a few other things. If it seems warm to you, than it probably is. Our body temp is roughly 98 degrees.
I would suggest checking the temps with a digital thermometer and/or a temp gun. Also the temps will change as you add boxes and they trap the heat closer to the shelves.
Click to expand...

Slight Correction:

A 15 amps is equal to 1800 watts @ 120 volts-AC

Watts = Amps x Volts

Therefore, your 150w circuit is only drawing 1.245 amps, assuming your voltage is a steady 120vac. The flexwatt isn't going to trip the breaker by itself (unless it shorts out), but keep in mind that other devices on the circuit, i.e. a vacuum cleaner, microwave or blow dryer can cause the total load (amp draw) to exceed 15 amps.

I'm also not an electrician, but I have yet to burn down my house. :)
 
F

FoHGoR

Guest
Jeremy Letkey said:
So, in short you are agreeing with me when I said that a 15 amp breaker can handle 1500 watts? lol :main_yes:
Click to expand...

Yes. I guess I read it as, "the max wattage was 1500 watts." My Bad. :main_thumbsup:
 
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