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#29827 09/26/03 09:04 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2
F
feltch Offline OP
Junior Member
I'm just wondering if it's possible to run a switched light off of a 20 amp circuit? Will the wiring inside the light fixture be sufficient? If it is possible do I use a 15 amp or 20 amp switch?

#29828 09/26/03 09:19 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 597
E
Member
That's a pretty wide open question. . .try to narrow the field a bit with the context for the luminaire. . .commercial or residential and is residential the use of the 20 amp circuit, wattage of the switched load.


Al Hildenbrand
#29829 09/26/03 09:25 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2
F
feltch Offline OP
Junior Member
This would be for residential use. The switch would be for a single light fixture 65 Watts.

#29830 09/26/03 09:48 AM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
R
Moderator
65 watts diveded by 120 volts equals about 1/2 of an Amp. I'm sure your wiring is rated for that.


Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
#29831 09/26/03 03:18 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
Yes, it's possible. Without starting a big debate over "tap rules", you should wire the fixture in #12 wire. The factory wiring within the fixture is satisfactory for the "load served". THe switch may be rated 15 amp, as it is only "switching" the 65 watt load of the fixture.

Please substitute the word "luminare" for "fixture" within the above comments, to be politically correct. It's hard for us guys that have been around for a while to "change our ways" on some subjects.

EDIT:

AS always, if you personally are "not qualified" to perform electrical work, you should consider locating a local electrical contractor/electrician. Residential voltages can cause serious bodily harm, and death as a worst case scenario.

John

[This message has been edited by HotLine1 (edited 09-26-2003).]


John
#29832 09/26/03 07:28 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
G
Member
Hotline1 ---

permanent life support my be a "worser" case senerio.


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