My outlet splitter says "max. 3600 VA". How can I make sure I haven't gone past that?

Question

I read on Wikipedia that VA is the same as Watt sometimes, but for a computer, the VA is greater than the Watt count. How can I calculate the VA for all of the electronics I have plugged into the outlet?

Answer 1

A good approximation is Volts times  Amps = Watts  If you make a triangle with       Watts

                    Volts  Amps

and put your finger over the one you want, the calculation is whatever is left. ie (to calculate what fuse to use) Amps  = Watts divided by Volts

Answer 2

3600 volt amps on a 110 volt circuit is 30 amps.  This splitter is rated for more than your wall outlet.  A standard wall outlet in the US is rated at 15 amps.  Your circuit breaker shouldn't  be more than 20 amps and might be only 15.  Basically, you don't have to worry about the outlet splitter so much as exceeding the wiring in your house or the outlet itself.

Answer 3

If VA or W are specified, use that number.  If not, A will be specified.  Multiply A by the local voltage (115 or 220) to get W.  Add all the VA and W together.