JediKnight

So I know that:

amps = watts/volts

and

watts = volts x amps

Does this mean that, given a main panel that's has a main breaker of 100 amps (2 x 50 actually), I can run more lights without tripping the main breaker if I'm running 220v lights than if I'm running 100v lights?

I ask because I'm currently running 2 1K lights and an AC, all at 110v. If I run any more lights than that, I have problems with the breaker tripping with I run other appliances/lights/etc. It's a real PITA.

I'd really like to have 3K watts of light in my space. If I start running everything at 220, will it be drawing fewer of those 100 amps total that I have to work with?

If so, this seems counter-intuitive to me. It seems that a 1000K light is using the same amount of electricity regardless of what voltage it's running at, and it's going to put the same load on the main breaker regardless of whether it's running at 110 or 220. Could someone explain?

Thanks!

jamesgang

... Use half the amps thus (you must install a 220 breaker and Im sure you knew that) More space on the breaker. Probably 20amps is what you are going to install so 1000/220= 4.5 amps times 3= 13.5 amps. Plenty safe. Just make sure you dont overload the rated max amps on the incoming panel or the breaker... Everything running on a specific panel be it a 50 amp or 100amp must not exceed the rated amps. In fact, 20% less is very comfortable zone...


JG

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The JamesGang

420harvest

I was kindof wondering about this subject as well.

So the danger is too much juice flowing through the wires and starting a fire from heat right? I assume this means the excess heat is caused by amperage and has nothing to do with total watts? Is this correct?

JediKnight

It's not the individual breakers that are flipping - I'm only running one 1K light on each 15 amp 110v breaker. It's that one of the two 50 amp main breakers keeps flipping.

My question is this: is changing whether the lights are running 220 vs. 110 going to change how much amperage is going through those main breakers? And would this keep the main breakers from flipping? According to that a=w/v equation, switching from 110 to 220 would change how many amps are going through the main breaker ... but this doesn't seem right to me. Help!

Tommy_Chong

saw the thread last night and was thingking 'this dude must mean 220v AC v. 110v AC and got tthe terms wrong ... i wasnt even gonna try..........



T_C

Bonesnoff

The main and noticable difference between 110 and 220v is that you use less amperage with higher voltage to run your appliances. . Think of voltage as water pressure and amperage as the amount of water in a hose. With more pressure you need less water to operate.
after rereading my post I have no idea if I answered your question. lol

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buzzmobile

Not really. The electric meter measures watts used. While the amperage is less on a 220v circuit, the higher voltage will equal the same number of watts as a higher amperage lower voltage 110v circuit.

watts = volts x amps

Bonesnoff

Sorry! I must have misunderstood what the electrician was saying.

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buzzmobile

The reduced amperage saves on wear and tear of your equipment. There's not as much "force" pushing the electrons through your electrical device.

Indiegurl

How is it counter intuitive? A 1000 watt light is going to use 1000 watts of electricity regardless of the voltage. The problem that you are having is that you are tripping the main breaker when you run 3 lights, an ac and a household appliance? like what a dryer or something? what appliance? this sounds normal. do the math

1000 watt / 110v = 9.1 amps * 3 = 27.27

plus the ac, how much is that? plus an appliance is going to be over 50amps, one side of your main breaker.

1000 watts / 220v = 4.54 amps * 3 = 13.63

also running it on 220v is equally dividing the power over both sides of your panel. there are 3 wires coming into your house from the street. a neutral (white) and two black wires, 110v each. Your breaker is tripping because the circuits you are using heavy amounts of power on are on the same side of the panel. You can solve your problem by switching to 220 or changing some breakers and circuits around in the panel, or using a different electrical plug on a different circuit.