The electrrical system in the house has circuit breakers but someone said that wouldnt shut the fixture off if the wires heated up due to the increase in amperes and it could start a fire in the house ceiling. I was told that you have to change the wiring to a wall or ceiling fixture if you increase the number of light bulbs by putting in a new fixture with so many more bulbs. True or not?
2007-11-17 10:53:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
What is the total wattage? If your fixture has 4 40 watt bulbs you have 160 watts. If your new 15 light fixture is using 10 watt bulbs then this is 150 watts that is less than your old fixture. If you have a 15 amp breaker then at 110 volts that is about 1500 watts between all that is on the curcuit (lights and outlets).
2007-11-17 11:05:49 · answer #1 · answered by ronnny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Circuit breakers are provided to protect the house wiring from overloads and resulting fires. . Your circuit is probably protected with a 15 ampere breaker which is standard.
A 15 bulb fixture will probably call for something like 25 watt bulbs in each position, which equals a total of 375 watts. 375 watts at 110 volts equates to a total of 3.4 amperes. Conclusion: not a problem. Just remember to follow the lamp fixture maximum wattage ratings for each bulb in the fixture.
2007-11-17 20:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by Matt D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the total wattage of the bulbs in the new fixture.
If all the bulbs in the new fixture are 100 watt or higher then the circuit will be overloaded.
If the bulbs are 60 watts or less there should not be a problem, providing the wiring is up to code.
If the bulbs are the LCD type, you have nothing to be concerned about.
2007-11-17 19:02:15 · answer #3 · answered by ijcoffin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most probably the fixture with 15 bulbs will be using much lower wattage bulbs ... no you do not have to change the wiring ... a 110 V light fixture replaced with a 110 V light fixture requires no upgrading of the wiring ... just make sure you install the bulbs that the new fixture is rated for ... it should have a little sticker on it somewhere
2007-11-17 19:24:33 · answer #4 · answered by brian d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are the recommended watts for each of the 4 bulbs and multiply the wattage times 4. (75 watt X 4 = 300).
Divide that answer by 15 (300 by 15 = 20).
each of the 15 bulbs should be that or less wattage (or not all in use).
2007-11-17 19:52:31 · answer #5 · answered by Carole Q 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋