Proud Texan
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I've been seeing mention here lately of the use of Surge Protectors in guest rooms. Reading between the lines, it seems there is this mistaken notion that with a surge protector, you can magically increase your electrical use and plug as many electrical appliances into it as there are plugs on the protector. This ain't necessarily so.
A surge protector does NOT increase the capacity of any given electrical circuit! It is only designed to protect the equipment plugged into it (i.e., computers, TVs) from spikes in voltage that could damage sensitive circuitry.
So, what's wrong with using an extension cord or a power strip to run more electrical equipment?
In solving the problem of too few outlets, you may create another –– an overloaded circuit. If too many pieces of equipment are plugged into the same outlet and they're all on at the same time, more current may be running through the outlet than it can handle. When that happens, the wiring or the outlet will overheat and this could potentially create an electrical fire.
If an outlet or wall is warm to the touch; outlet is discolored; circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses frequently blow; a burnt smell of insulation is noticeable, have an electrician run a dedicated circuit and install additional outlets.
In most electrical installations, especially older ones, a single circuit is used for an entire room, lights and plugs. Older wiring did not have the same demands placed on it that today’s homes require. Never mind the requirements of a B&B!
So consider that all the plugs in a given guest room are on one circuit (probably 15-amp). A 15-amp circuit is only rated to handle up to 1800 watts at a time. So, add up the wattage of all your light bulbs, electric blankets, alarm clocks, hair dryers etc. and make sure that they do not exceed 1800 watts. Take into account the added load of guest’s appliances on that same circuit and you could have a potential problem.
As you will see, most of us have a tendency to exceed what the circuit will handle. If you’re not sure, have a licensed electrician check the capacity of your circuits. If necessary have new circuitry run. BE SAFE!
A surge protector does NOT increase the capacity of any given electrical circuit! It is only designed to protect the equipment plugged into it (i.e., computers, TVs) from spikes in voltage that could damage sensitive circuitry.
So, what's wrong with using an extension cord or a power strip to run more electrical equipment?
In solving the problem of too few outlets, you may create another –– an overloaded circuit. If too many pieces of equipment are plugged into the same outlet and they're all on at the same time, more current may be running through the outlet than it can handle. When that happens, the wiring or the outlet will overheat and this could potentially create an electrical fire.
If an outlet or wall is warm to the touch; outlet is discolored; circuit breakers frequently trip or fuses frequently blow; a burnt smell of insulation is noticeable, have an electrician run a dedicated circuit and install additional outlets.
In most electrical installations, especially older ones, a single circuit is used for an entire room, lights and plugs. Older wiring did not have the same demands placed on it that today’s homes require. Never mind the requirements of a B&B!
So consider that all the plugs in a given guest room are on one circuit (probably 15-amp). A 15-amp circuit is only rated to handle up to 1800 watts at a time. So, add up the wattage of all your light bulbs, electric blankets, alarm clocks, hair dryers etc. and make sure that they do not exceed 1800 watts. Take into account the added load of guest’s appliances on that same circuit and you could have a potential problem.
As you will see, most of us have a tendency to exceed what the circuit will handle. If you’re not sure, have a licensed electrician check the capacity of your circuits. If necessary have new circuitry run. BE SAFE!