Tech Tools / Power & Circuits

Power & Circuit Load

Add gear by watts or amps. See total draw on 15 A and 20 A 120 V circuits, circuits needed at the 80% continuous-load rule, and a suggested per-circuit packing.

Use at your own risk. Wattage presets are typical nameplate-class figures and can vary by mode and accessories. Always check the device nameplate and local electrical code. This is not an electrician’s load calculation. This tool is a planning aid only. Always verify against manufacturer documentation and on-site measurements before deploying to a show.

Total watts
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Total amps @120 V
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15 A circuits (80%)
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20 A circuits (80%)
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Fill of selected circuit continuous budget

0 A

Suggested packing

    Sources

    • Continuous-load concept: size for 125% of continuous load → usable continuous current ≈ 80% of breaker (15 A→12 A, 20 A→16 A). NEC 210.19(A) / 210.20(A) concepts.
    • Amps = watts ÷ 120 V (single-phase branch circuits in this tool).
    • Preset wattages labeled “typical — check nameplate.”

    What this power calculator does

    It totals show gear wattage, converts to amps at 120 V, and estimates how many 15 A or 20 A circuits you need under continuous-load planning rules.

    Formula

    I = P ÷ V; continuous budget ≈ 0.8 × breaker amps; circuits ≈ ⌈total_amps ÷ budget⌉.

    Worked example

    Two 800 W projectors + four 90 W laptops = 1960 W → 16.3 A. On 20 A circuits (16 A continuous) that is two circuits after packing.

    Tips

    • Presets are typical — verify the nameplate.
    • Inductive loads and inrush need extra headroom.

    FAQ

    What is the 80% continuous-load rule?

    For continuous loads, size for 125% of the load — equivalently, plan to use about 80% of breaker rating (15 A → 12 A, 20 A → 16 A).

    How do I convert watts to amps at 120 V?

    Amps = watts ÷ 120. A 1200 W load is 10 A.

    Is this a substitute for an electrician?

    No. It is a show-floor planning aid. Always check nameplates and local electrical code.

    Powering a show?

    Kynetic plans distro and soft-power for corporate and medical events.