Schego 600w heater on RA ok?

[uglyman]

Hi

I want to use my Schego 600watt heater on a Reef Angel, will it be ok or is it too much wattage running the heater with other things like return pump, skimmer, sump light and ATO pump?

I was going to get an ATC 800 to run my heater but I want to get a RA so thought why not save some cash and use the RA to control heater.

Thanks

[Piper]

Probably but it all depends on what else you have on the same circuit. Amps = Watts/Volts Assuming you're in the US (110v) your load is roughly 5.5 Amps. If I'm not mistaken the relay box can handle 15A, maybe 20A, total load. You would need to figure out the load from the rest of the devices plugged into the box *and* anything else you have plugged in to the circuit that the relay box is on. You just want to make sure your total load does not exceed 15A or the max rating on the circuit you're plugged in to, whichever is smaller.

Most modern homes have 15A circuits but you really should trace back to your panel and see what the breaker says. It would also not be a great idea to run it if you find your total load is 14.9A on a 15A circuit. Some devices have a startup draw that will spike your load for a brief time. That's typically just pumps/motors that will do that.

~Charlie

[uglyman]

Thanks Charlie

I am in Australia so this will be on a 240volt circuit and I will be getting my electrician to put in a dedicated circuit just for the tank that the RA will be used on. Looking at the other items that I will definately be putting on the RA, one is a skimmer that runs 20 watts, a return pump at 60w, a sump light at approx 60w and an ATO ?? watts.

Shane

[Piper]

I looked around on the forums and found one post that said new boxes have a 10A resettable fuse so we'll assume that would be the max for now. At 240v your heater should be drawing ~2.5A I believe. I think you're going to be fine. What is your typical breaker size in Australia?

~Charlie

[uglyman]

Typical breaker size is 10 - 15 amp for power outlets.