1500W Kettle Question

[LeetViet]

I have two power outlets in my room. One has a power bar which powers my computer, router, modem, and TV (when on). The other is free.

If I plug and run a 1500W kettle, will there be any problems? I'm afraid there may be a brown out but I'm not sure if that's even possible to cause myself.

[Electricnic]

If they are on the same circuit you may overload the circuit when you plug in the kettle. The circuit should be protected by a 15 amp fuse or circuit breaker.

[woof]

IF the two outlets are on the same breaker then by plugging in the kettle you will exceed the rating on the circuit and then the breaker will overheat and then trip. How long this takes to happen depends on how much excess current you are drawing. The water might easily boil before that point. Fuses tend to blow faster.

If you track down the fuse or breaker you can calculate it's capacity. Typically a 15 amp breaker on a 115 volt line means a max 1725 watts of power on that line which gives you a little extra power available beyond handling the kettle. A computer/monitor is probably 400+ watts and the TV 200+ watts. Small stuff like modems are insignificant.

A sudden power interruption can be hard on computer components. You might want to look for a kettle that uses less than 1500 watts.

[FastFokker]

1500W @ 120V is 12.5A

That leaves 2.5A for everything else on that circuit. (assuming 15A breaker/fuse)

That said, you may draw less power, but its better to guess high.

So as long as you are using less than say 300W for the rest of the things plugged in, you will be okay.

[CompWizrd]

also, the electrical code calls for not drawing fulltime more than 80% of the capacity of the line... not really applicable unless you have a coffee addiction...

[LeetViet]

A sudden power interruption can be hard on computer components. You might want to look for a kettle that uses less than 1500 watts.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for all your replies. :)