how many machines do you all run at the same time?

[BryanH]

I've tracked the elec usage and cost of various machines I've had.  I used a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure the KW/h usage and the actual time.  The main machine I run is on the back patio so I have it hooked up to a Vending Miser unit which really helps.  

The lights are a huge component of the operating cost... especially on machines with multiple fluorescents.

The file shows some daily costs... which for me using my avg KW/h rate is worst case $0.40 per day.  By using the vending miser, removing fluorescent lights and keeping it on the ventilated porch (rather than closed garage) costs dropped to $0.20 a day even in 90 degree temps.

I've attached my xls spreadsheet in case anyone else wants to play around with real costs.

[SquareTopCollector]

just got the powerbill, running 2 machines we pay 260 a month. We also have 30's celings so the a/c is a major energy drain and we are always using the wirlpool bath so the waterheater also sucks energy. These machines do suck power because I had a 300 gallon saltwater aquarium with 8 amps of lighting (1000watts) plus hundreds of watts in pumps (another 4-5 amps), heaters etc and the power bill was around 270 a month. I think I will continue to run 2 machines but not a third

[Gumbo]

What is the average amount of  amps one machine uses?  Vendo/VMC 81? As most of you know, I have a collection of 81s.  I am currently building an addition to my house and I have one hall that all of the 81s are going to go down. Should I run them all on one circuit? I feel I should, so I can trun them on and off together.  I would like to find out how many amps they would pull together, so I know what size fuse to desinate for them. Any advice would help. '>    

Thanks,
Anderson

[Gumbo]

photo of my 81's

[halehouse]

We have 2 machines running constantly. Electric usually runs a low of $30-$40 a month in the winter and maxed out last summer around $200 with ac.