Hi there,
My $0.02 worth on the subject.
All computers that we are likely to be using plug into a standard 15 amp 110 volt ac circuit. This would mean that if you had too many computers plugged into the same circuit and they were drawing excessive power then the circuit breaker (or fuse if you have older wiring) would trip and power to the computer would be killed.
Keep in mind, that even if the computers are plugged into different wall outlets they could be still on the same circuit breaker, as I believe that the electrical code allows up to 10 to 15 outlets to be fed from the same breaker,
One 15 amp circuit should supply approx. 1700 watts (115 x 15). This does not take power factor into account but it should be close enough approximation.
If the electrical wiring is up to standard and you plug too many computers in it should just pop the breaker or fuse and should not start a fire.
There are a few safety considerations that should be taken into account however.
If you have an older house with fuses instead of circuit breakers make sure that there is a 15 amp fuse in the circuit and that some one has not replaced the 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp or higher capacity. In this case you could be drawing more than 15 amps through wire that was designed to carry 15 amps causing over heating and a fire.
Make sure that your outlets are wired correctly and are properly grounded. You can purchase testers for less than $10 that plug into an electrical outlet and let you know instantly that your wiring is correct.
If your house was built in the early to mid 70's it may have aluminium wiring. At that time the price of copper was sky high and aluminium wiring became popular as a cost saving measure. Aluminium wiring is apparently quite safe if it is wired correctly and that receptacles approved for aluminium were used. However aluminium wiring can cause receptacles to overheat if it was not installed correctly and apparently at the time this was not uncommon. If you suspect you have aluminium wiring it would not hurt to feel the receptacles and see if they are warm.
If your house is 70 years old or more and the wiring has not been upgraded you may have knob and tube wiring. If this is the case I would strongly suggest that you consult an electrician.
If you are a bit paranoid there is a relatively new device available called an arc fault circuit interrupter. This would be used instead of the standard circuit breaker in your breaker panel. These will trip if there is any arcing in the circuit, even when the current draw is less than 15 amps. I have heard that they are required for circuits supplying bedrooms in some provinces. These devices do not come cheap. The price of $70 to $80 comes to mind compared to $10 to $15 for a standard circuit breaker.
Another device that you may want to consider is a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) These are the devices that are required to supply outside and bathroom circuits. You can get these devices to replace a circuit breaker (cost about $70.00) or devices that replace standard duplex receptacles (cost about $10)
These devices can be identified by the little "test" button. These devices will trip if there is any leakage to ground. If your basement floods and your power supply gets wet they will trip instantly. If you have old wiring with ungrounded receptacles placing one of these in the circuit will provide protection almost as good as having a grounded receptacle. These devices provide very good protection against electrical shock.
If your power supply has even a very small electrical leakage these devices will trip, which could prevent an electrical fire. A standard circuit breaker will not provide this level of protection.
Please note IANE (I am not an electrician).
Before proceeding with any electrical work consult with a licensed electrician or apply to the City of Calgary for an electric permit and have the work inspected by the city inspector.
Peter
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