Cabbage Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Based on the spreadsheet that everyone uses to calculate their Channel capacity it show that if I use 15 strands on Mini 100 lights (the ones from Wal-Mart) on a single channel it will only be drawing 3.13Amps, well under the 8Amp Max.Is this 3.13 wright? Seems like a lot of strands, but I have a lot of roof line, and don't want to over load a channel.Could someone verify this for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I usually look at the label on the strand to help figure load.Most (I say most) Walmart 100ct strands are going to be .34 amps per string. Multiply that by 15 strands, and you get 5.1 amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabbage Posted November 9, 2009 Author Share Posted November 9, 2009 I will have to check that out. I was looking all over the box, but couldn't find anything. Didn't think about checking the actual strand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 The ultimate way of calculating your load is to actually measure it. Many people use a handy device called a Kill-A-Watt. It's a meter that plugs into your receptacle or into the end of your extension cord. You plug the lights into it and it will give you the wattage and amperage of whatever you've connected. You can find this type of devoice (or something just like it) in the electrical department of almost any large hardware store, or you can buy it online from many sources. It costs about 20 bucks and is the best twenty bucks you'll ever spend in this hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfing4Dough Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 Don wrote: I usually look at the label on the strand to help figure load.Most (I say most) Walmart 100ct strands are going to be .34 amps per string. Multiply that by 15 strands, and you get 5.1 amps.0.34A per string is what I count on too. May want one of these to measure accurately, and to be able to measure the load of a whole channel:Kill-A-Watt (pretty good price here)http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/kilwateldet1?utm_source=emailSonic&utm_content=Common&utm_medium=campaign&utm_term=EL%20006%200293&utm_campaign=091109%20Free%20Paper%20Sleeves%20TY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shfr26 Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 I got my AMP/WATTS meter at HD, $25.00.. Digital 0-15 amps. It is called a home appliance meter. In electrical isle by all the other meters. So far it is the same reading as my son's $125.00 meter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryb721 Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 This site is having a sale on the kill-a-watt for $19 including shippinghttp://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/kilwateldet1?utm_source=emailSonic&utm_content=Common&utm_medium=campaign&utm_term=EL%20006%200293&utm_campaign=091109%20Free%20Paper%20Sleeves%20TY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Lott Posted November 9, 2009 Share Posted November 9, 2009 best money i have spent yet on my christmas display. was not to sure at first but now i love this thing.NO MORE GUESSING. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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