11 Aug
2003
11 Aug
'03
3:20 a.m.
On Sun, 10 Aug 2003, Jerome H. Fine wrote:
I have found a rather simple solution. IF the input
is 120 Volts AC
single phase (even if the cable can handle 24 or perhaps 30 amps), then
just replace the power plug that is used for normal 120V/15A power
outlets. As long as you don't replace the fuse on the circuit from the
power distribution panel, it does not matter what the fuse is on the
power distribution box. Many power plugs are able to handle the
cable size that carries 30A. It is rather easy to just change the plug
rather than the whole cable.
Of course, the fuse on the power distribution panel will blow first
if you overload the circuit, but that is just as likely to happen if the
fuse on the power distribution box is only 15A. Meanwhile, you
are able to have many 1A circuits for small boxes that need very
little power. I could use a number of additional 120V/15A outlets
from the power distribution box I am using since most pull less than
1A. I resorted to triple plugs.
Likewise, I placed Compaq "rackmount"
power dist panels against the
walls (in the machine room and study, where the machines are) and
have each "inlet" (240VAC, 20A) connected to a separate circuit- some
through a UPS system, some direct. The good thing is, that I can now
(by timer and/or remotely, e.g. when temp goes up because of airco
failure) shut down these segments individually.
Each of the outlets can do 240VAC at 10-16A.
These boxes are usually available for cheap, as most companies forget
about them when discarding an old(er) rack... they're careful to save
the UPS (probably with dead batteries anyway ;-) but leave the rest
of the power system in there :)
Cheers,
Fred