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How much load can be put on 15 amp breaker

Asked Jan 9, 2007, 11:28 AM — 4 Answers
I am wanting to put 6 outlets, a florescent light and 2 track light fixures in my basement. Can I put everything on one breaker? Thanks for your help.

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dmonty's Avatar
dmonty Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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#2

Jan 9, 2007, 12:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JChev06
I am wanting to put 6 outlets, a florescent light and 2 track light fixures in my basement. Can I put everything on one breaker? Thanks for your help.
From the Electrical Safety Code book .....Ontario, Canada......no more than 12 outlets on any 2 wire branch..... I like to keep it to no more than 10 to keep things safe. So you should be ok.
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JChev06's Avatar
JChev06 Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
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#3

Jan 9, 2007, 12:23 PM
Sounds good, thanks.
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dei2007's Avatar
dei2007 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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#4

Jan 12, 2007, 06:56 PM
Most breakers are rated at 80% continuous load which would be 12 amps.
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Merkhi Posts: 5, Reputation: -1
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#5

Jan 13, 2007, 04:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JChev06
I am wanting to put 6 outlets, a florescent light and 2 track light fixures in my basement. Can I put everything on one breaker? Thanks for your help.
It depends on your load, locality, and inspector.

Hardwired devices are limited to 80% load. For example a 20 amp circuit could not be hardwired to a device drawing over 16 amps.

I have worked mainly in Missouri and have had inspectors who would approve 10 light fixtures on a 15 amp circuit.

Your inspector may or may not allow receptacles and lighting on the same circuit. Keep in mind that all receptacles in an unfinished basement must have GFCI protection.

It sound as if you are installing a new breaker and cable. If so, why not run two circuits? Most service panels will accept a "tandem" breaker. A tandem breaker provides wiring connections and two internal circuit breakers in the space traditionally used by a single circuit breaker.

A tandem breaker would allow you to install one receptacle circuit and one lighting circuit.

Note: tandem breakers supply two 120 volt circuits, but cannot be used to provide a 240 volt circuit.
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