never had that problem with my two big chiefs. I run them both out of the same outlet and have only had the breaker trip once and I smoke alot of fish

as far as brine, this is what I use:

12 Cups of water
1# package of brown sugar
1 Cup of non-iodized salt
Tbst worcestershire sauce
Tsp soy sauce

I tend to make four batches to fill two smokers worth of fish. Of course the above amounts can be changed for taste. I also put in a little garlic powder, and one of these days when I can remember I would like to try some fresh crushed garlic on the fish during the smoking process.