for sure, should have mentioned that thanks.. you more then likely have 14g wire in there. 14g is rated for 15amp, 12g for 20 amps, 10g for 30amps. so if you upgrade breaker be sure to upgrade wire or else major fireKeep in mind if you double the amperage of the breaker, it is also smart to up the gauge of the wire.
i got 2 600w, 1 400w 20 cfls' @ 100w equiv. on a 15 amp circuit. only pops if i plug in a vacuum. 15 amp is rate at about 2300w. i stay under 2000w for safety. i'd say 15-20% percent margin is minimal. i think you will be just fine with your 1600w's. as long as your breaker and wiring are up to spec.
been fine for two years, i'm legal, and have multiple cards, so no cops. except the time i got a bike stolen, had em come over for a report and showed em my weed. thy said it smelled real good! no fire either! i haven't been to jail for over a decade, so i'm ok there. no staggering of light, nuthing. i use lots of power and pay my bill on time. i think the power company reaaalllllyyyy likes me.Your pushing it man. Its only a mater of time before something bad happens.......especially growing weed. Fire, cops, jail....no fun
Hopefully your staggering your light cycles to run 1/2 and 1/2 that way you aint drawing that much power constantly.