Home Electrical Planning for Bitcoin Mining
This guide helps you plan safe, realistic electrical infrastructure for running ASIC miners at home.
1. Know Your Panel and Main Service
- Identify the main breaker rating (e.g., 100A, 150A, 200A).
- Take note of existing large loads: HVAC, electric oven, dryer, EV charger, etc.
- Understand that miners are continuous loads and must be treated conservatively.
2. 120V vs 240V for Miners
Most modern miners are designed to run best on 200–240V circuits.
- 120V: Limited to lower power; high current for same wattage; usually not suitable for large ASICs.
- 240V: Lower current for same power, more efficient, and safer for high-wattage loads.
3. Breaker Sizing and the 80% Rule
By code, continuous loads (like miners) should not exceed 80% of a breaker’s rating.
- 15A breaker → 12A max continuous
- 20A breaker → 16A max continuous
- 30A breaker → 24A max continuous
- 50A breaker → 40A max continuous
Use the Breaker Load Calculator to estimate your safe capacity.
4. Wire Gauge and Outlet Types
Correct wire gauge is critical:
- 14 AWG → typically 15A circuits
- 12 AWG → typically 20A circuits
- 10 AWG → typically 30A circuits
Common outlet types for miners:
- NEMA 5-15 (standard 120V household outlet)
- NEMA 6-20 (240V, 20A)
- NEMA L6-30 (240V, 30A locking)
- NEMA 14-30 or 14-50 (multi-wire 240V outlets often used for dryers or ranges)
5. Extension Cord Safety
Extension cords are a common weak point in home mining setups.
- Use only heavy-duty cords rated for your circuit (10–12 AWG for ASICs).
- Keep cords as short as possible to reduce voltage drop and heat.
- Never use light-duty indoor cords or coiled cords.
- Check plugs and cords regularly for heat and discoloration.
6. Adding Dedicated Circuits
For more than one miner, dedicated circuits are highly recommended.
- Work with a licensed electrician to add 240V circuits where needed.
- Plan each circuit for a known number of miners (e.g., one 3 kW miner per 20A/240V circuit).
- Label breakers and outlets clearly for future maintenance.
7. Surge Protection and Power Quality
- Use whole-home surge protection at the panel if possible.
- Consider surge-protected PDUs for sensitive gear.
- Monitor voltage for large swings that can stress PSUs.
8. Environmental Sensors
Consider using sensors to monitor:
- Room temperature
- Humidity
- Outlet and cord temperature (spot checks)
9. When to Call an Electrician
Always consult a professional if you:
- Are unsure of your panel capacity
- Need to add or upgrade circuits
- Notice hot breakers, buzzing sounds, or burning smells
- Plan to run multiple high-wattage miners