I have a 20a GFI receptacle by itself on a 20a breaker, I am using it only for Christmas lights, am I required to limit the draw to 16a, or does this rule not apply since it's going to be Christmas lights?
2007-12-05 10:29:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Any load that will operate for 3 hours or more (there are special rules for things like motors, electric storage water heaters etc) would be considered continuous. You must limit your load to 80% (16a). There is no exemption for Christmas lights. Also, consider that if you are connecting to a single receptacle, unless it is a T slot 20 amp recept and you are using a 20a plug, you might legally be limited to 12a (80% of the 15a recept rating). How heavy is your cord that you are plugging in?
Pulling 16a from a common receptacle will likely get it quite warm even though you are within the ratings, the 12ga wire will get noticeably warm after a while.
I wouldn't worry about the electricity police coming around and measuring the load at the receptacle unless something happened and your house caught fire.
2007-12-05 16:48:42 · answer #1 · answered by TechnoStuff 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most appliances made for residential use in the general public are designed to be plugged into standard circuits. If they require special provision, it will be apparent. The plug will have a sideways prong, and/or the tag will state information. There is always a label indicating max watts or amperage of the device. There is nothing outside of kitchen counter appliances that will exceed 1500 watts. A 15 amp circuit can handle 1800 watts steadily. The 80% rule is about loading a circuit during electrical wiring installation. This typically pertains to lights. If you are concerned about it interfering with other things on the same circuit then maybe you should install a dedicated line for it. Most treadmills won't actually reach the max amperage because you won't be using it at top speed and top incline at max volume, etc. Just like you won't likely use all 4 burners and the broiler at the same time. But just in case you do, the circuit is adequate to handle that maximum possible amperage. At the hardware store they sell a little device called a killowatt meter. You plug it into the outlet, then plug your device into it and it tracks how much energy you use. You'll readily see that the treadmill is of little concern. Just don't run a space heater or vacuum, or similar heavy load on the same circuit at the same time.
2016-04-07 11:43:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a rule of thumb to only go 80%, But Hey! Your paying the Electric bill go as far as you can. But ask the local Fire Dept how many houses the visit during Christmas and why. See if they are willing to educate you a little more on how to be safe around the house this year. It hurts to hear of those losing everything this time of year over something that was easy enough to prevent just by asking the pro's. If you have to pay an Electrician 2-3 hundred for outdoor outlets, then it is worth it, because your deductable is probly more.
2007-12-05 10:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by mr.obvious 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To size protection device, such as circuit breakers, wire, and receptacles.
Continous load must 125 % for three hours of usage.
For example, if the continous load is 20 amps for 3 hrs. or more, than you need to size the circuit breaker, wire and receptacle to handle 25 amps ( 20A X 125%)
To size protection usage, you need to limit the amperage (the load)
For example, if the circuit breaker, wire, and receptacle is rated at maximum 20 amps, then the continous load must be 16 amps (20A X 80%)
So if you are sure you are pulling 20 amp continously then you need to upsize the protection or downsize the usage (load).
2014-07-15 17:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by frank 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It applies. Any load on 3 hours or more is continuous.
If your breaker isnt rated for 100% load (which it is very likely not) then you can only go to 80% full load if your lights are operated over 3 hours. Under 3 hours, run it up to 100%.
2007-12-05 11:47:57 · answer #5 · answered by David B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your wire size is 12awg and you have a 20amp breaker, you are OK for your lighting needs. If you were designing, you might have two circuits for load but you have an existing condition. You can always test the breaker with an intentional overload to be sure it trips off.
2007-12-05 12:04:07 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breakers have a plus or minus 12% rateing enjoy gfi is great I have around 2000 plus blow ups.but I use a generater for all my out door lighting its quite enough neighbors tell me they never hear the motor running. luck
2007-12-05 13:51:51 · answer #7 · answered by 7.62x54 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a 20 amp receptacle is rated for 20 amps
you can load it up to 20 amps
it is (should be) designed to operate SAFELY at 20 amps. (if it is a UL or other testing facility stamped product)
they do have receptacles rated for 30 amps and 25 amps
if your load is MOTORIZED it's starting amps will be higher than running amps, so the 80% is a GUIDELINE allowing for the higher starting amps
2007-12-05 12:30:59 · answer #8 · answered by Da_Bears70 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your christmas lights use a certain amount of watts. Check to see how many watts it will pull. Volts Divided by watts will give you your amps. And you will not need to call chevy chase to see how many lights that would be...lol
2007-12-05 11:39:55 · answer #9 · answered by Big Deal Maker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋