View Full Version : Electrical Caculations
HardWorkingMan
Nov 15, 2007, 09:31 AM
I am interested in Electrical Work. I have been doing electrical work for some time. My question is... If I have a 100amp or 200amp service pannel and I want to install a lighting circuit how do I caculate the amount I can use. I am using 14 gauge romex wire and I am coming off a 15 amp breaker.
KISS
Nov 15, 2007, 10:57 AM
Your lighting load can't be more than 80% of 15 Amps because the load can potentially be on more than 3 hours at a time and thus qualifies as a continuous load and therefore must be derated.
labman
Nov 15, 2007, 11:02 AM
Whether you can add another 15 amp circuit or not depends on the other connected loads and what may be running at any one time. I am asking to have thing moved to electrical and lighting. To get a reliable answer, you will have to give the size of the house and major appliances, A/C, hot water, etc.
tkrussell
Nov 15, 2007, 01:14 PM
Sounds like you want to know if an existing service has the capacity to add more load.
If you have been doing electrical for some time, I am sure you have a copy of the National Electric Code.
If not,
In the Read This First sticky note at the top of the Electrical forum:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/read-first-all-electrical-questions-48863.html
Find the link and instructions to the National Electric Code:
NFPA 70: National Electrical CodeŽ (http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70&cookie%5Ftest=1)
And review Section 220.83, and get back with any questions you have