[nylug-talk] Cleaning dirty power

[vin]

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On Wednesday 07 June 2006 09:09 am, Randy Rodriguez wrote:
> This discussion brings to mind an issue I'm having at my place.  The
> *entire* apartment is powered off of a SINGLE 15 amp circuit.  

Wired for fire.

> That's 
> right, the 'fridge, microwave, TV, computers, wall sockets, lights,
> etc.  All of it. 

Have you seen Apollo 13?

> We've become very careful about what's drawing 
> current at any given time, but my question is would having my boxen on
> a UPS prevent the fuse from blowing when, for example, the 'fridges
> compressor kicks in?

No.  It will keep your boxen from shutting down from a power outage if the 
brekaer trips.  It won't prevent the breaker from tripping.  However, a 15 
amp circuit is 1800 watts.  It will take a momentary surge of +10% iirc, 
without tripping the breaker, which allows for the compressor's startup 
voltage requirements in most instances.  If the wattage is maintained above 
1800 or so taking into account tolerances, then the circuit breaker will trip 
no matter what you do.

> It doesn't do so now

You are staying below 1800 watts average, and staying below the momentary 
surge rating of the breaker.

> (tho there is a visible  
> sag, e.g. the lights dim), 

This is an undervoltage situation due to the load.  You are slowly damaging 
all your equipment which isn't rated for whatever voltage you are dropping 
below.  Take a voltmeter and measure the voltage when the lights dim.

> but if I had the microwave running 

Microwaves are easy.  You can control most in 100 watt increments.  Use a very 
low setting and cook/heat longer.  Unplug something else and raise the 
wattage on the microwave, cook/heat faster.

> and all  
> my machines powered up and the compressor started up, it probably
> would.

1800 watts or so is the magic number.

Buy fire extinguishers for every room.  all ABC rated, or some ABC and some 
electric-only rated.  Buy a fire escape ladder if not on the first floor, or 
a parachute.  And set up some video cameras from other properties pointing 
towards yours.  You are in a position to make some fire department 
instructional videos.  Might as well take advantage of your situation.

vin.

> On 6/6/06, Ruben Safir <ruben at mrbrklyn.com> wrote:
> > > Was it alien space crafts?
> >
> > BTW - Chicago has a users group called UFO
> >
> >
> > Ruben
> > --
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