Don't know if this is allowable. Would like to move my security camera and DVR setup to a closet. No outlet in there now. This is going to be a 20A to power the cameras' power adapter, monitor and DVR
thanks richard
Just run it off the lite.... not going to need even 2 amps, much less 20. Use zip cord.... I mean Romex.... lol
10 min job. Or a 1 min job if you use a screw-in bulb-outlet adapter + an extension cord.
Sure it's allowed. But why in the world would you need
20A for a security camera? They probably don't use that on a camera for NBC nightly news these days.... You should be 1 amp or so for all that you've listed.20 amps? 20 amp breaker, 20 amp receptacle, and 12 gauge wire for that small amount of electronics? Way overkill...unless the circuit is already present and you just want to extend it into the closet. It's still overkill, but if it's already nearby, then why not.
As far as whether or not an outlet is allowed in a closet, I'm pretty sure there's an outlet in this closet.
Thanks folks. I know it is an overkill. Plan to upgrade to 16-camera unit. Just like an extra headroom, 4 cameras @ approx. 3A per 4- camera, that adds to 12A + DVD and monitor. Plus planning to add IR illuminators and plenty of spare 20's already in the main breaker that is unused.
The restrictions in closets deal with lights, not receptacles. You can have all you want. It is very common to have a shelf top location (on the wall) for security equipment in the master BR closet. They may also home run low voltage cables there in the pre drywall rough in high end houses.
What kind of camera uses .75 amps?
that adds to 12A + DVD and monitor. Plus planning to add IR
Yes but, that 3A per 4 cameras is probably at 12 volts, or whatever the cameras use. At 120 volts, it's probably 1/5 or 1/10 of that. I've done high end studio cameras in a mobile unit and in a studio. Most of those cameras, along with the control room remote unit, only dray an amp or 2 at 120VAC.
I think you may have it figured out. I'll bet he's looking at the wallwart and it says its 3A @ 12V, etc.
Having a 20A circuit and not needing it is better than not having a
20A circuit when you do need it.You may even want to put a computer server in their one day.
You can take my 20A circuit when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers!
Jon
I bet that is 3a @ 12v
Jon, where do you live ?
Often the closet in one room backs up to another room with a power outlet on the wall of the other room that is on the opposite side of the wall that forms the back of the closet. It is a simple matter to branch off this outlet to install an outlet on the closet back wall. A simple matter of locating the "new" receptacle, and stuffing the Romex a couple inches into the existing outlet and attaching to the spare terminals ... If this is the case with your setup, the job will be an easy one.
Robert
When I was about 5, 1952, my father wanted another outlet in my bedroom, and I'm sure he hired a real electrician, and what the guy did is plug a plug with lamp cord into the outlet in my father and mother's bedroom closet**, drill a hole through the wall just above the baseboard into my room and run the wire just above the baseboard to the surface-mounted receptacle he put in.
**It was your reference to zip cord that made me reply, but come to think of it, the receptacle WAS in the closet (the house had big closets) , in a house that was built in either 1925 or the 30's.(It allso had a bathroom bigger than my small bedroom, with a bunch of empty space in the middle. Even though it was not a conversion but built as a bathroom, they hadn't yet come; up with the idea of making bathrooms tiny. It had linoleum on the floor with some strange black and grey pattern. In the center was a square on its corner, with two seahorses face to face, one pink and one black, irirc. At the tiem, I didn't know that seahorses were real. I'm sure the floor has worn out and been replaced, but I really want to check on that outlet .)
I was back at the house in 1964 but didn't think to check if they still have it that way. I'm going to go one more time and see if they're still using this method for the last 60 years.
I have 5 of those I've acquared over the years, if he needs one.
Not if the receptacle in the other room isn't on a 20 amp circuit...
120V @20A is 2.4kW dissipated in that closet. Better add a circuit for the AC, too.
I think the OP wants a dedicated 20 amp for the cameras.
My licensed electrician here in NYC says outlets are not allowed in closets. But he puts them in for me.
Nor are bare incandescent bulbs allowed. They must be covered or fluorescent. This I do follow.
Don.
What's his name so I can report him ? Just kidding... Seriously I wonder why they don't allow them in a closet?
I have installed many cameras, even the ones with 120' (yea right) IR lights and they are max 1A at 12 volts.
OP install at least a quad and if you get into a lot of lights they make a power distribution box where you can hook it all up in one big box.
I have 13 at one location and luckily found what I would call an octopus cable, one 110, a power supply and 8 outputs. its maybe 3A at 110.
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