how should i ask a electrician?
- Thread starter Rusko
- Start date
TheStainster
Member
Tell him you want 2 (or how many you want)15 amp circuits ran to the garage. Why? Because it's going to be your wood working and mechanics space. lots of power tools compressors maybe even a 15k btu ac to stay cool while you work. 1500watts safely per circuit but you can pull a little more up to 1800 depending on how far the cable run is. But you should just have him run the 4 12g wires in one cable so you get 2 outlets and he only has to run one cable. Some codes allow you to make 2 outlets from 1 3 wire cable by sharing the neutral but 4/12ga is best imo.
riddleme
Well-Known Member
tell him also there will be an arc welder if you want 220V
and as far as terms go approx 100 watts = 1 amp so 1000 watt light = 10 amps do the math in amps rather than watts when you talk to him, not that he can't instantly convert it but if you talk watts he may be smart enough to have a clue what your up to
and as far as terms go approx 100 watts = 1 amp so 1000 watt light = 10 amps do the math in amps rather than watts when you talk to him, not that he can't instantly convert it but if you talk watts he may be smart enough to have a clue what your up to
Bonzi Lighthouse
Well-Known Member
Had this bookmarked when I ran my 2 - 20 amp circuits.
[SIZE=+1]You cannot[/SIZE] convert watts to amps, since watts are power and amps are coulombs per second (like converting gallons to miles). HOWEVER, if you have at least least two of the following three: amps, volts and watts then the missing one can be calculated. Since watts are amps multiplied by volts, there is a simple relationship between them.
[SIZE=+1]However[/SIZE], In some engineering disciplines the volts are more or less fixed, for example in house wiring, automotive wiring, or telephone wiring. In these limited fields technicians often have charts that relate amps to watts and this has caused some confusion. What these charts should be titled is "conversion of amps to watts at a fixed voltage of 110 volts" or "conversion of watts to amps at 13.8 volts," etc.
Converting Watts to Amps
The conversion of Watts to Amps is governed by the equation Amps = Watts/Volts
For example 12 watts/12 volts = 1 amp
http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm
[SIZE=+1]You cannot[/SIZE] convert watts to amps, since watts are power and amps are coulombs per second (like converting gallons to miles). HOWEVER, if you have at least least two of the following three: amps, volts and watts then the missing one can be calculated. Since watts are amps multiplied by volts, there is a simple relationship between them.
[SIZE=+1]However[/SIZE], In some engineering disciplines the volts are more or less fixed, for example in house wiring, automotive wiring, or telephone wiring. In these limited fields technicians often have charts that relate amps to watts and this has caused some confusion. What these charts should be titled is "conversion of amps to watts at a fixed voltage of 110 volts" or "conversion of watts to amps at 13.8 volts," etc.
Converting Watts to Amps
The conversion of Watts to Amps is governed by the equation Amps = Watts/Volts
For example 12 watts/12 volts = 1 amp
http://www.powerstream.com/Amps-Watts.htm
riddleme
Well-Known Member
So my 37 years as an electronics technician has been all for nothing???
and the 4 years I taught these stupid formulas to people was a waste of time?
granted I did assume we were talking 110 ac voltage when I posted
but the notion that you can not convert watts to amps is ludachris
and the 4 years I taught these stupid formulas to people was a waste of time?
granted I did assume we were talking 110 ac voltage when I posted
but the notion that you can not convert watts to amps is ludachris
Rusko
Active Member
thanx guyz.So heres more info.I HAVE had power,idk if wiring needs to be done.He just has to fix the breaker that wont turn on out ther or whatever.Ther is life in ther,lol.just no main power.
my plan is to run 2 400w lights,(switchable) so idk i think its HPS and MH,a few fans.maybe CO2...not too mention my garage is like a room sooo thers a tv in ther soooo lET ME KNW WHAT I NEED EXACTLY PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!! ......im new at this whole bit soooooo let me knw whats good.
2 15amp thingies???
my plan is to run 2 400w lights,(switchable) so idk i think its HPS and MH,a few fans.maybe CO2...not too mention my garage is like a room sooo thers a tv in ther soooo lET ME KNW WHAT I NEED EXACTLY PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!! ......im new at this whole bit soooooo let me knw whats good.
2 15amp thingies???
whiteflour
Well-Known Member
Just tell him you want a 40A subpanel with 220/110v circuits. Give him an idea where you want the receptacles and that should be that. He really has no reason to ask any more questions and you don't have to tell him anything else.
Vento
Well-Known Member
eheh 
OP ...i know this might not be what you wanna hear ... But go a bit left of center ...and actualy be honest with the guy ? lol
I know plenty of sparkys ( Points to the one above this post ) that hit trees ....you never know .. he might end up being a future customer 
If that don't appeal to you ... Just tell him your setting up a workshop with lots of powertools and welding gear for fabrication ... Bottom line is this ... he dont care ..all he wants is the work so he can hit you with a bill and get it done quick so he can move on to the next guy trying to hide the fact hes growing weed
OP ...i know this might not be what you wanna hear ... But go a bit left of center ...and actualy be honest with the guy ? lol
I know plenty of sparkys ( Points to the one above this post ) that hit trees
....you never know .. he might end up being a future customer If that don't appeal to you ... Just tell him your setting up a workshop with lots of powertools and welding gear for fabrication ... Bottom line is this ... he dont care ..all he wants is the work so he can hit you with a bill and get it done quick so he can move on to the next guy trying to hide the fact hes growing weed