How many machines on one 15 amp outlet is safe?

[cnc74]

Hi all!

As the title says: How many machines on one 15amp 110v outlet is safe? (Using an average machine as the power basis for the calculation)

I can't find the power rating on mine so I figured I'd ask.

Thanks!

[owennewton]

I have 8 on one outlet and don't have any issues. This has been talked about before and I seem to remember it coming down to 10-12 max on one circuit to be safe.

[Frank A]

I usually have 4 to 7 on one surge protector that I use to turn my machines on and off. I had all of my breakers changed over to 20 amp breakers since my wires are all 12 gauge.

[cnc74]

Very cool!

I was concerned about running 4 off one outlet..

Thank you!!!

[owennewton]

it works out that most moderns (all the ones I have at least) draw around 1 amp each on the line side when everything is going so 10 machines are like a vacuum running for power usage, another reason to have them on a power strip and to shut it off when not using the machine

[naha13]

Just add up the current draw from each machine/device. As long as the total does not exceed 12amps(15amp capacity X 80% max load), you should be fine.

[DrDark]

7 machines on one 20A outlet all fed by a surge suppressor. No problems ever.

[mbodi]

I have 13 on one 20A outlet with no problems.

[yose]

A20 amp circuit can handle about any load in normal use. In most cases the ceiling lights are included in a room circuit also. If the lights don't dim down when you turn all your machines on you're good to go. If they do dim then come back up, thats an amp drainage, but if it does'nt trip the breaker no worries.

[SteveFury]

I have a Bellco Automatic Pachislo machine I also have Kill-A-Watt meter.

I did some measurements for you. One of the fluorescent reel lamps go out if the machine is untouched. I'll call that status as "idle". My watt meter reads about 60w idle. Drop a token in and the light comes on, now it's drawing about 100w. It draws around 140w while the reels are spinning and the meter reads around 160w while the hopper is operating.

Given a degree of inaccuracy in the meter and the inability to read current spikes, I think it would be reasonable to assume around 200w maximum.

A 15a circuit @ 120v is designed to handle 1800w. (120 volts x 15 amps =1800 watts per hour)
1800 / 200 = 9 Bellco Automatic pachislo machines.

Roughly speaking, 9 of these machines will consume around 540w per hour at idle, about as much as a typical electric space heater set on low heat. If people are having fun on each machine they are using about 1250w per hour, about the same as a smaller hair drier set to high. If someone is concerned about power consumption expense it might be something to keep in mind.