can a 20 amp circuit with a pair of 12 gauge wires support 10 (300W) bulbs?
2006-12-26 10:33:29 · 11 answers · asked by ssgtretired 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
120 volt circuit, 20 amp
2006-12-26 10:36:07 · update #1
I agree with the answer supplied by others (no)
You may also be interested in the economics of your set-up. If the lights are on 24 hours per day it will cost you $2100/Year to run them at 8 cents per kwh. That would work out to about $700/year if run at 8 hours per day.
If you changed to florescent lighting you could probably get by with 80W where you currently have 300W and cut your energy cost from $2100 to $560 if run 24 hours per day or from $700 to $187 if run 8 hours per day, and you would not have to run two circuits, and you could use #14 wire as the combined 800W would be well under the capability of a 15 amp breaker.
2006-12-26 12:01:42 · answer #1 · answered by Coach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any permanent installed wiring must have the proper minimum size gauge that matches the circuit breaker amperage. Number 12 for a 20 amp circuit. Number 14 for a 15 amp circuit. Yes, you can use a larger wire on a smaller amperage breaker but not the other way around. The circuit breaker or fuse is over current protection for the installed wiring.
2016-05-23 08:57:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, do the math. But to be honest I can not tell you how. A standard house circuit is 15amps for lights and a 20 amps circuit is used for larger appliances so a large light would be no problem.
Voltage 115 X Amps 20 = 2300 watts you would only need 3000w so you would be close. I forgot just how many light you had, sorry about that. I think 10 is too many bulbs.
2006-12-26 10:49:31 · answer #3 · answered by Pablo 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A 20 amp circuit will be rated for 2400 watts; (120V X 20A=watts)
Your bulbs (10 x 300) equals 3000 watts. Drop to smaller bulb size or split your lighting circuit .
2006-12-26 11:40:59 · answer #4 · answered by spiritgide41 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. 100 watts is close to an amp. Three amps per bulb times Ten = 30 amps.
2006-12-26 10:36:26 · answer #5 · answered by fibreglasscar 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Total watts divided by volts gives you amps. Your looking at 3000w divided by 120v. That gives you 25 amps. You would be better off (and safer) with two circuits for your lights.
2006-12-26 10:44:39 · answer #6 · answered by B.Dunc 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are they all being used at once? (most standards allow for diversity if they aren't used all at once)
Sounds like you are using incandescent (filament bulbs) you could get similiar illumination with high pressure sodium or metal halides for a lower total wattage and possibly less fittings.
just what are you trying to do?
Perhaps you need Agrow mercury vapour lights?
2006-12-26 12:13:45 · answer #7 · answered by slatibartfast 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
300W X 10 = 3000W
3000W / 120v = 25 amps
No.
2006-12-26 10:42:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
no, but if you drop the watts on the bulbs to 75 you might make it.
2006-12-26 11:12:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
2006-12-26 10:43:02 · answer #10 · answered by Rammohan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋