Lighting circuit Max Wattage on 14 AWG ?
#1
04-19-04, 03:59 AM
Lighting circuit Max Wattage on 14 AWG ?
What is the maximum number of watts of lighting that can be safely run on a 14/s with ground ciurcuit ? Should ceiling fans have a separate circuit ?
#2
04-19-04, 04:41 AM
I am goping to assume you mean 14 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit.
Power = volts times amps.
Power = 120 volts times 15 amps.
Power = 1800 watts.
However, for continuous loads, this should be reduced to 80 percent.
80 percent of 1800 = 1440 watts.
Lighting is not normally considered continuous. However, if all the lights were going to be on at the same time then I would certainly not exceed that 1440 watt figure.
A ceiling fan does not need a separate circuit unless the circuit is already maxed out.
Power = volts times amps.
Power = 120 volts times 15 amps.
Power = 1800 watts.
However, for continuous loads, this should be reduced to 80 percent.
80 percent of 1800 = 1440 watts.
Lighting is not normally considered continuous. However, if all the lights were going to be on at the same time then I would certainly not exceed that 1440 watt figure.
A ceiling fan does not need a separate circuit unless the circuit is already maxed out.
#3
04-19-04, 06:46 AM
Member
Ceiling fans generally use very little power. A typical fan may only use 60 watts, even on hight speed. But the big consumer of power on a fan is usually the light kit. Some use up to 240 watts. So you need to plan for that too.
Using Bob's numbers, you'll see that you can put quite a bit of lighting on a circuit if there are no receptacles on that circuit too.
Using Bob's numbers, you'll see that you can put quite a bit of lighting on a circuit if there are no receptacles on that circuit too.
