[Elecraft] (KPA-500) running on 110v

[Don Wilhelm]

Robert,

The KPA500 will run OK on 110 (actually 115 or 120) volts.
The real question is how many other receptacles are on the same 120 volt 
circuit.  Are there any other large current drawing loads on that same 
circuit, and how much wire run from the breaker box to the receptacle 
being used.

Figuring an efficiency rating of 50% for the KPA500, the current draw 
for the KPA500 will be 9 or 10 amps.  The common receptacles are rated 
for 15 amps, and it depends on whether the wire size used is #14 (usual) 
or #12.  The smaller wire will have more voltage drop.
Electrical code requires #12 wire for kitchen outlets in modern 
buildings. But the remainder can be #14.
The other thing is that if the receptacles were wired using the 
"backstab" connections, that can create a higher resistance.  I would 
have an electrician check all receptacles on the circuit feeding the 
receptacle and change any receptacles using the 'backstab' connections 
to the lower resistance wires placed under the receptacle screws.

Since I had the advantage to wire my own house, I used #12 for all 
receptacles, and in the hamshack area, I have a dedicated circuit for 
the two receptacles there.  Most installations cannot boast of that same 
advantage.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/29/2017 10:23 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
> What's the conventional wisdom on running the KPA500 on 110v? At my 
> previous QTH I had 220v, so never had to face this issue. In my new QTH 
> there's no 220v -yet. The operating environment is 100% cw with 
> occasional contests. Thanks for all opinions in advance.
> 
> ...robert