Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: cholin on January 09, 2006, 10:02:01 pm
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Okay, I posted my current setup, and my question is...
If all my plugs are using like, lets say 13 amps for example, and the lights are on, taking 1.2 amps, thats like 14 amps as an example. Besides the fact that wont happen, its an example and im stickin to it. *IF* I put a 12 amp relay where the blue line is, would the relay fry because of the amperage being used, or does the amperage only go to where its needed. Like, im only controlling 1 amp of lighting, but are the other 13 amps still running through that line?
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I'm not sure about the relay part of your question, so I won't talk specifically about whether any given relay will fry or not, but you are correct in the assumption that the "amperage only go to where its needed".
Amps will be drawn through the wire based on what you've got at the end. If you hook up a microwave, more amps will get pulled down that wire. If you hook up a 60watt bulb, fewer amps will get drawn down that wire.
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That's why you have specific breakers in the main box. The wire will carry what is needed untill the breaker trips. Only the specific things, i.e. light bulb, microwave, iron, etc., will only grab what they need.
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Not sure about the US code but the canadian code only allows 12 amps on a 15amp breaker. Also, only 12 lights or outlets are allowed on one breaker no matter how you have them configured--Since its a new installation you have to abide by code or else if your house burns down your SOL.
What is it you are trying to accomplish witht his mod?
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I think the flames will look magnificent from my house. ;D
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I do believe that you are only supposed to use a breaker at 80% of its max rating. I wouldn't up the breaker unless you up the wire at the same time, and that sounds like that might not be an option. I'll bring hot dogs.
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I know that, its a brand new house and i practically wired the basement because we knew the electrician personally, so I wanted to help out. He always mentioned little tips such as the 80% idea, which I already know. Thing is, I might use like 13 and I probably will, since Ive got a minifridge, laptop, desktop, 2 big printers, and network stuf running.
Anywho, the purpose is that right now theres a 3 way switch, functioning like a regular one. If I were to take out the NC terminal's wire, and put the NC and NO of a relay on the ends of that switch, guess what I have..... :) A relay functioning as another 3-way switch. The relay will be sent amperage from a central computer in my house, at the main breaker box. I used ethernet wire for phone since we had so much extra, and because of that, I had 6 spare wires in there, already in my room and meeting at the circuit panel. I cut the brown ones, and im using them to receive a signal from the computer....
THEREFORE: A computer networked will receive a command from my wireless laptop.... if I hook up a microphone, it becomes a wirelessly controlled light switch :D Animation coming later for the people who got lost :)
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Animation coming later for the people who got lost :)
What about pictures of the fire? ;)
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Will do :)
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I would believe that as long as there is nothing between the relay and the light, you should be fine. The light is only going to draw what it needs.
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Fantastic, just what Id like to hear :)