Sharing an overloaded circuit

[mengel]

So my wife asks me,

"Do we have a spare surge protector? Our refrigerator and microwave are on the same circuit, and we really don't have any choice (and they won't fix it because we're not supposed to have kitchen appliances in the office, so I'm wondering if we put them on a surge protector if that would help from popping the circuit."

That isn't what a surge protector does dear.

Is there a "power strip" like device, that will cut power to the refrigerator(say, outlet A), for a period of time when the microwave is on (on outlet B) for 15 minutes.

The refrigerator could sit without power for hours while everyone heats there lunch.

Or is this a new product I should design and put on QVC and make millions?
A prioritized load leveling power strip.

Mike

 

[Mustang51js]

Surge won't do anything for a overloaded curcuit

 

[Stuff]

Just get a timer for the refrigerator to turn off during the lunch hour. Get a heavy duty 15 amp version.

 

[G_P]

Just get a timer for the refrigerator to turn off during the lunch hour. Get a heavy duty 15 amp version.

This. Otherwise people will unplug the fridge to run the microwave and forget to plug the fridge back in.

 

[Zeke]

Must be a piss poor circuit that won't run a fridge and a microwave. If this is at 'work' I doubt there is a 14 ga. 15 amp circuit anywhere unless this is a substandard commercial building. Might just need a new breaker and a delayed overload one at that.

"(and they won't fix it because we're not supposed to have kitchen appliances in the office"

If there ever was a ridiculous situation this is it. This assumes the management or landlord knows there are 'appliances' in the office. Either the appliances go or the situation is corrected. Anyone want to call the insurance company?

 

[Falcon67]

Must be a piss poor circuit that won't run a fridge and a microwave.

Really. Our building was built in 1947 and we have the fridge and microwave on the same circuit. We (I) robbed from another box in the ceiling for the coffee pot, don't tell Maintenance.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just get a timer for the refrigerator to turn off during the lunch hour. Get a heavy duty 15 amp version.

Got a link to such an item ?

 

[Beemer533]

Got a link to such an item ?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MMSTNG/?tag=atomicindus08-20