reference

Power Supply

PLANNING

Overview

  • ⚡️ Estimated home flight simulator load = ~1600W
  • 🚫 Current circuit capacity = ~1440W
Electric circuit planning for powering a home flight simulator.
CIRCUIT MAX LOAD SAFE LOAD (80%)
🚫 15A/120V (current) 1800W 1440W
✅ 20A/120V 2400W 1920W
🔢
Calculation: Safe continuous load (3 hours) = Amps * Volts * 80%

Requirements

  • dedicated 20A circuit used only to power the flight simulator
  • maximum safe continuous load (80%) of 1920W
  • install additional, dedicated 20A circuit if safe continuous load exceeded
  • minimum circuit length to prevent voltage drop
  • centrally located for clean cord routing

Estimated Power Usage

Estimated power consumption for a Cessna 172 home flight simulator.
DEVICE QTY AMPS VOLTS WATTS TOTAL
55" TV 3 (enter) (enter) (enter) (enter)
Instrument Panel Monitor 1 (enter) (enter) (enter) (enter)
USB Hub 1 (enter) (enter) (enter) (enter)
USB Components ~ 20 (enter) (enter) (enter) (enter)
iPad 1 (enter) (enter) (enter) (enter)
(total watts)

REQUIRED PARTS AND TOOLS

Parts

Parts required to install a dedicated 20A power service for a Cessna 172 home flight simulator.
COUNT ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Circuit Breaker 20 Amp
1 Old-Work Outlet Box 2 Gang
4 Electrical Outlet 20 Amp
2 Outlet Cover Dual Outlet
1 12-2 Copper Wire ~25'
6 Wire Nuts ?

Tools

  • wire cutters
  • side snips
  • drywall saw
  • tape measure
  • utility knife
  • flathead screwdriver
  • outlet screw bit
  • permanent marker

INSTALLATION

Step 1: Run 12AWG Wire

  • cut outlet hole
  • drill wire penetration holes
  • pull wire from breaker panel to outlet location
  • seal all wire penetration points

Step 2: Install 20A Outlet

  • pull wire through uninstalled outlet box
  • install remodel outlet box
  • wire up outlets
  • install outlets
  • install outlet cover plate

Step 3: Install 20A Breaker

  • prep and run wire to breaker location in panel
  • wire 20A breaker and install (in off position)
  • confirm connection points and wire condition
  • turn on new 20A breaker
  • test at outlet

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Read more