elect. service

Most light are about 100 watts. Your heating element for the smoker is 1500 watts (if my memory is correct). The smoker does not use the 1500 was continuously, instead it cycles.

Depending on your voltage (normally 120V), I think that you will be fine with a 20 amp circuit. Also, most circuits are protected via your circuit breaker (or fuse box).

Just my opinion.

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Happy Qin' - AAHH

Barbqr,

You didn't say which size smoker you have, so I will give you a couple of choices.

The Smokette II uses a 500 watt heating element. So, running it on a 20 amp circuit with a couple of lights on it will not be a problem.

The Model 50 uses a 1200 watt heating element. So, the 20 amp circuit would be fine with a couple of lights.

The Model 150 uses a 1500 watt heating element. Will probably be fine on a 20 amp circuit, however you might want to check the other items plugged in and see how many watts they draw. A 20 amp circuit will handle 2400 watts, however you don't really want to run them at max.

Hope this helps,
Stuart

I agree with the comments thus far. I believe the National Electrical Code allows a branch circuit to run continuously at no more than 80% of its rated value. So, a 20 amp line can deliver 2400 Watts for brief periods of time, but should only be loaded with 1920 Watts in continuous service. Either way, this would be plenty for most "home sized" cookers.

Yea, I'm sure someone on the list has a cooker that can handle a medium sized elephant. What sauce would you use with that? - never mind...

I'd recommend a good peanut sauce....

Smokin'