Question

connecting to a circuit
assume the house is using 10 - gauge wire, which has a rating of 30 amps. using the information in the chart, what combination of fixtures and devices can be connected to the circuit?
hairdryer, 2 lamps, microwave, 2 plasma televisions, coffee machine
hairdryer, refrigerator, a plasma television, coffee machine
hairdryer, coffee machine, toaster oven
2 ceiling fans, 2 lamps, electric dryer

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate power capacity

Using the formula \(P = VI\), with \(V = 120\) volts (standard household voltage in the US) and \(I = 30\) amps. So \(P=120\times30 = 3600\) watts.

Step2: Calculate power for each option

• Option 1: \(1200+(2\times100)+700+(2\times240)+1500=1200 + 200+700+480 + 1500=4080\) watts.
• Option 2: \(1200 + 350+240+1500=3290\) watts.
• Option 3: \(1200+1500 + 1200=3900\) watts.
• Option 4: \((2\times100)+(2\times100)+3400=200+200 + 3400=3800\) watts.

Answer:

The second option (Hairdryer, Refrigerator, a Plasma Television, Coffee Machine) is the correct one as its total power consumption (\(3290\) watts) is less than the circuit's power capacity (\(3600\) watts).