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View Full Version : How to know the amount of load a 20amp breaker can take when connecting to 208v?


dkingsmusic
May 31, 2012, 01:11 PM
I in the process of installing lights. These Light uses 208v at 1.35 amps each with a 250w load, how many lights can I install onto a 20amp beakers that is connected to 208v?

stanfortyman
May 31, 2012, 04:37 PM
Where are you using 208V lights? I assume not in a residence.
This does make a difference.

donf
May 31, 2012, 04:38 PM
I in the process of installing lights. These Light uses 208v at 1.35 amps each with a 250w load, how many lights can I install onto a 20amp beakers that is connected to 208v?

Since you are using 208V, I am going to guess that you are installing these lights in a commercial environment.

Given that there is a 10 "Outlet" circuit restriction (NEC imposed) your answer is 10 lights per 20 amp circuit.

Also, if this is a commercial environment, then only licensed electricians can do the work, also a requirement of the NEC.

208V is nothing to fool around with. It will literally kill you in a heartbeat if you make the simplest of mistakes. Work on the light circuits must be completed without the circuit being energised.

stanfortyman
May 31, 2012, 06:04 PM
Given that there is a 10 "Outlet" circuit restriction (NEC imposed) your answer is 10 lights per 20 amp circuit.Don, can you tell me where you heard of this imaginary code?

jerro
May 31, 2012, 08:08 PM
You can have up to 3300 watts on 208v, 20 amp breaker. Lighting is usually considered a continuous load ( 3hrs or longer) and can only us 125% of the breaker amperage. 20 amp divided by 125% = 16 amps. 16 x 208v = 3328 watts

stanfortyman
Jun 1, 2012, 04:03 AM
You can have up to 3300 watts on 208v, 20 amp breaker. Lighting is usually considered a continuous load ....... in a commercial environment...
Which I would also consider this.

IMO this should be done by a qualified electrician. Commercial electrical work is not a DIY/handyman kind of thing.

donf
Jun 1, 2012, 04:26 AM
Don, can you tell me where you heard of this imaginary code?

Stan,

You are correct, as usual. I went through the 2008 edition and the 2011 edition of the NEC, no joy.

I also went through the following books.

dkingsmusic
Jun 4, 2012, 08:56 AM
Thanks for your help. I got the 10 lights to one 20amp breaker, but just wanted a clarification. Right now we have 30 lights running on 6 20amp breaker. I just needed to add 5 more lights to certain section of the building.

Thanks everybody.