Running two computers in one room? 600w PSUs each.

[PajosFTW]

Hey, I recently purchased parts for my PC, and I am wondering if I could run it in the same room with my brother, without tripping the breaker. . We are both running 600w power supplies, and both of us will probably be pulling just over half of that. Can anyone shine some light on the subject? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I have no experience with this.

Thanks in advance!

 

[modernwar99]

A standard circuit in a house is usually 120v @ 15 amps. That means it has a maximum load of 1800w. Depending on what else is plugged in on that circuit (one circuit can span more than one room btw) along with the two PCs matters, but I think you should be fine.

EDIT: I'm no electrician but I think there are safety laws that limit the current below the maximum rated current so you're looking at more like 1500w, still shouldn't be a problem.

 

[ronintexas]

In my "computer room", I have 4 desktop computers (average 350-450W pull), two laptop computers, a big screen TV and a TiVo - all operating virtually 24/7 without ever tripping a circuit breaker. We are also using multiple monitors on most PC's.

The only time I have ever tripped a breaker was with servers that had 1000W PSUs (dual PSUs in the servers) - and there were 5 servers (only 3 could be powered at one time). I installed a second drop, and when CPU utilization is high on multiple servers, it would trip on the first leg (3 servers). End result was a 3rd leg where I had 2 servers max on a circuit....

You won't pull that much power with two computers....

 

[PajosFTW]

In my "computer room", I have 4 desktop computers (average 350-450W pull), two laptop computers, a big screen TV and a TiVo - all operating virtually 24/7 without ever tripping a circuit breaker. We are also using multiple monitors on most PC's.

The only time I have ever tripped a breaker was with servers that had 1000W PSUs (dual PSUs in the servers) - and there were 5 servers (only 3 could be powered at one time). I installed a second drop, and when CPU utilization is high on multiple servers, it would trip on the first leg (3 servers). End result was a 3rd leg where I had 2 servers max on a circuit....

You won't pull that much power with two computers....

Thanks for the reply, is your circuit rated for 15 amps?

 

[ronintexas]

Yes - in the computer room, it is wired with a single 15amp line - 4 total outlets on the wall....I do think with all the computer equipment (4 computers, 2 laptops plus TV and multiple monitors) I am pretty close to max....

The servers required three 15a circuits - but they draw a ton more power (each server has at least 12 hard drives, dual CPUs and 32GB of RAM).

 

[PajosFTW]

Yes - in the computer room, it is wired with a single 15amp line - 4 total outlets on the wall....I do think with all the computer equipment (4 computers, 2 laptops plus TV and multiple monitors) I am pretty close to max....

The servers required three 15a circuits - but they draw a ton more power (each server has at least 12 hard drives, dual CPUs and 32GB of RAM).

Alright. I think the circuit upstairs might be wired between my bedroom which I share with 1 brother, as well with another that my other brother has. So thats 2 PCs (600w PSU's but I doubt we'll pull that much) an Xbox One, 3 monitors, 2 laptops, 4 incandescent bulbs, speakers, and at least 3 phone chargers. How much do you think we'll pull?

 

[synphul]

Another way to look at it, both pc's likely won't be consuming the max rating of the psu's. Even if each were pulling 500w that's 1000w and devices like space heaters commonly run 1500w on high. Microwaves usually run around 1000-1200w. Just some comparisons, you should be fine. Of course if you're running a lot of other high draw appliances at the same time it could pose a problem. If you had both pc's on, a space heater and decided to plug in the vacuum cleaner and everything was running on the same circuit you'll probably trip a breaker.

 

[smorizio]

you may trip the breaker if there ac/mini frig on a laser printer on the same outlets. breakers are made to trip if they see to larger of a current rush at one time or if the breakers are loaded near there max and hit a set temp. any hardware store sells cheap outlet and line testers. make sure you use the tester and find if the room on the same outlet or not. in a bed room by code now is 15 device max limit per breaker in some states..new building code.

 

[PajosFTW]

Another way to look at it, both pc's likely won't be consuming the max rating of the psu's. Even if each were pulling 500w that's 1000w and devices like space heaters commonly run 1500w on high. Microwaves usually run around 1000-1200w. Just some comparisons, you should be fine. Of course if you're running a lot of other high draw appliances at the same time it could pose a problem. If you had both pc's on, a space heater and decided to plug in the vacuum cleaner and everything was running on the same circuit you'll probably trip a breaker.

Thank you for your reply! Extremely helpful. I feel way more confident now!