how many machines on 15amp circuit?

[nics135]

How much power does a new Stern draw? Is it different from a wedgehead?

Laying out circuits and wondered how many machines per circuit.

 

[DRANO]

I'd say no more than 3-4 per 15a circuit.
I think EMs are more. Like 5-6 should be okay. But that's just coming from memory and what others have told me.

 

[luch]

there was a thread on pinside

 

[nics135]

found a thread on there...consensus seemed to be 20Amp 3-4 machines would be ideal. Going with that approach.

 

[novaguy]

If you're running new wire remember this rule of thumb
15 amp=14/2
20 amp=12/2
30 amp=10/2
Ted

 

[Chris Bardon]

I have 5 games on a circuit now (LOTR, XM, CV, WH20 and TZ). Haven't blown a breaker yet.

 

[brewmanager]

Two games and my home entertainment centre are unfortunately on the same circuit. It pops occasionally. Definitely something I'd like to change

 

[Beafraid]

I went with three pins per circuit in my basement. Before it was done I had 4 pins and two video games in my den and had them all going with no problems.

 

[superjackpot]

My rule of thumb:
- 3 WMS or 4 newer Stern games per 15 amp circuit
- 5 EMs/SSs per 15A circuit.
- keep games off of circuits that have devices with large motors, e.g. big fridge or deep freezer where motor surge can spike current draw
- I think newer Sterns are more tolerant of resets in general.

Obvious but worth mentioning, the limit implies support for this many games running full out at once, each demanding full power (i.e. in multiball, lots of coils, magnets used). You can easily have no issue with more games per circuit all running at the same time. It really depends on how much power each game/device is demanding at any given time.

My setup, each on a 15A circuit:
A. 3 DMD WMS
B. 3 DMD Sterns + 1 ext sub + 1 EM
C. 2 SS + 1 EM + 1 DMD Stern + 2 TVs and a small bar fridge.
D. 1 EM + 1 DMD Stern

 

[spiroagnew]

Finding this thread helpful...basement reno starts after the Xmas holidays, and it will be good information to refer to. I'll probably stick with three per 15A to be safe, as it seems to be the consensus. My collection is at a spot now where I have to worry about such things...and also prepare for future expansion.

 

[REVOLUTION]

I had 10 games running off 1 circuit at the same time at one point.

 

[DRANO]

Finding this thread helpful...basement reno starts after the Xmas holidays, and it will be good information to refer to. I'll probably stick with three per 15A to be safe, as it seems to be the consensus. My collection is at a spot now where I have to worry about such things...and also prepare for future expansion.

Consider upgrading the panel to 200amp (if it isn't already) and run yourself a new line for every 4 games you ever plan to have... with a 4 outlet box of course.
You'll never have any issues.

 

[superjackpot]

Consider upgrading the panel to 200amp (if it isn't already) and run yourself a new line for every 4 games you ever plan to have... with a 4 outlet box of course.
You'll never have any issues.

Right on. I did this earlier this summer. I had an electrician install a 200 amp panel since my old one was full. I then ran two lines for two new 4 gang plugs (15A + 15A) saving some cash doing it myself.

Decided to get whole home surge protection added to the panel while at it. http://www.pinballrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1204&p=11758&hilit=surge+protection#p11758