How many amps to run home arcade

I also Have a killawatt but I also use power distribution with a nice LED amp meter on the front for this reason.

Here is something I do not think I have heard talked about that may be helpful for some.

When any electronics get old certain parts wear and they tend to start drawing more power. Transistors/caps,etc and throw off the wasted energy as mainly heat, distortion, or transient unwanted output. This is especially true of a worn monitor chassis but also SMPS power supplies and arcade boards can draw somewhat more power in a worn state of some of its components. I have seen a 25" monitor chassis with a worn tube draw 3 amps by itself when it should have been less than one. Bottom line is if the game should be drawing 1 amp but it is 2 or more you might want to look at if anything is worn out (weak tube with cranked contrast mostly) Once you know your games and they are on for a few minutes the total draw should be nearly identical each time and stable so if it changes then something is possibly wrong.
 
I have (4) 20 AMP circuits and (8) games per circuit. Seems to be working ok. I used a killawatt and most games were running 1-1.5AMP. So, I figure 1.5*8 = 12 AMPS, so a 20 AMP seems good to me for 8 games per.
 
20 amp breakers are only about 5 bucks. If you are taking the time and expense to upgrade the wiring, there is no reason to try to save on breakers.
 
I bet that's fun. You could power up over 20 games one at a time or you could just make sure the electrical can handle it and power them all up together. Like I said, running things at the max is not a good idea.

None of my circuits run at the max. They are all under 80% load...
 
creating new post

I have a electrician coming over to look at bringing in enough power to run whole arcade at once. Is there a science to how much power needed per game, pin, slot Ect... ?
I have around 17 total and room for a few more. Plus would like to add neon, lights Ect...
I was thinking maybe a 50 amp service? What's your thoughts!!

How do you create a new post on here??
 
Just make sure you match your wire with your circuit breaker...

Yeah, that is what I meant when I said upgrade the wire. You need 12 gauge for 20 amp circuits. Home Depot has 250' 12-3 for $117. I am hoping to only need one of those for the new circuits next weekend.
 
A pcb needs to find it way back home..

Consider how much arcades produce heat, I find it off that you need a heater in the basement..
 
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