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    honkesk's Avatar
    honkesk Posts: 26, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 7, 2009, 05:28 PM
    Over load circuit
    Lets say I have 12 recessed lights, and two receptacles. If I had all of the lights on, with 100 watt bulbs, on at the same time. And a TV on one of the outlets. Would 14/2 wg and 15 amp breaker be good enough or should I go with 12/2 and 20 amp breaker?
    Thanks
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 7, 2009, 05:55 PM

    I'll leave you with this:

    Probably 100W is too big for the fixture. Check that.

    Next Amps = Watts/Volts, so in your example

    12 lights * 100 W per light/120 Volts = 10 Amps

    TV is unknown, but likely less than 200 W.

    You should size a circuit at 125% of it's rated capacity if the loads are expected to be on for more than 3 hrs at a time.

    The lights are an iffy situation.

    I'd go with 12/2 and 20A

    I = ((12*100)+200)/120 * 1.25; size up and I'll bet you'll get 20A
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 7, 2009, 05:55 PM
    Well, a 15A 120v circuit can handle 1800 watts, so I think you are fine with that.
    I bet the TV isn't more than 300-400 watts.
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