Do I need a generator?

JoeFowler

JoeFowler

Well-known member
I am thinking about getting a Britek light kit from Rostronics.com, do I need some sort of power source other then a normal wall outlet?

Thanks, Joe
 
No, all the Britek lights work on standard household current. You will need to keep track of how many watts you're using though -- most household circuits can only handle 15 amps, maybe 20 at the most. That means that even in the newest houses, 2,000 watts is about the maximum you'll get out of any single circuit. (and by circuit, that doesn't mean just an outlet, that means everything plugged into the whole circuit! It might be reasonable to expect that all the outlets in a single room are on the same circuit, and furthermore it's probably safe to assume that all the wall outlets downstairs would be on the same circuit, and all the outlets upstairs might be on their own circuit).

So be careful with how you plug in multiple lights, and try to spread the load around so you don't trip any circuit breakers. With smaller lights there's usually not much to worry about, but when you get up in the 1k and 2k (1,000 watts and 2,000 watts) range, it becomes a very definite point of concern.
 
I keep a 25' Super-Heavy-Duty extension cord in my light kit, and try to put at least one light on a kitchen circuit. They are usually isolated (for toasters, food processors, microwaves, etc), and have more capacity than living rooms and such.
 
Another question: is there a certain type (amperage, what have you) of extension cord I should use? When you say "heavy duty" what should I look for? Also, would it be wise to use a power strip (surge protector) or is that a bad idea? Thanks for your help.

Joe
 
I buy mine at Sears, and don't cheap out. Craftsman cords are the best, IMHO. The difference between a top quality one and a cheaper one is only $5-$7. The last one I bought is 25 feet, has three receptacles and a circuit breaker built into it (helpful so you don't blow your customers circuit), and I think it cost me about $20. They do sometimes go on sale too, mine might have been a sale price.

Multi-strand much better than single-strand.
Lower number wire = bigger gauge, and bigger is better (14 ga better than 16ga) 12ga even better, mine is 14ga.

Some electrical guy might tell you 16ga is enough for a 25ft run, or even 18ga. I figure this is not an area to save a few dollars. A good extension cord can last for years if properly coiled each time. And I may be in a situation where I need to run a lot of stuff off one cord, or daisy chain a couple to get the length I need.
 
I have a surge protector in my light kit too. I don't always use it, unless I need more plugs or there is a lightning storm going on. Its handy when the wlal plug is hard to get at, plug this in and then the rest of the plugs are easy. Watch amp ratings and again, don;t go too cheap.
 
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