Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    dgrider's Avatar
    dgrider Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 20, 2006, 07:47 AM
    20a on lights?
    I am going to do some wiring on my house using 12/2 wire and had intended to give each room it's own breaker feeding the outlets AND the lights in the room. I had intended to use a 20a breaker, but I am a bit confused about "the code" and lighting. Is it OK to use 20a on light circuits ( I often see 15a mentioned for lights )? Will it be over-kill to feed 4-6 outlets and 2 light fixtures with 20a breakers?

    Thanks for the help.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Oct 20, 2006, 11:33 AM
    I think where ever you are buying your supplies, the difference between 25' coils of 12 and 14 gauge wire is chicken feed. Same with the breakers. Over kill, maybe, a bad idea, not really. Some day you have a big job to do and you want to plug in a heavy draw, it will pay.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Oct 20, 2006, 12:04 PM
    Consider wiring the rooms so that at least two circuits are in each room, so that if there is a problem with one, or if one needs to be shut off, then there will still be the other circuit still working in that room.

    This can be a mix of receptacles and light fixtures.

    Unless outlets are for specific appliances or purpose, they are considered as general purpose lighting outlets, same as the light fixture outlets.

    There is no problem having lights on a 20 amp circuit. As labman stated, you may need a heavy circuit someday and it will be there for your use.
    dgrider's Avatar
    dgrider Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Oct 20, 2006, 12:31 PM
    Thanks to both of you.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Bathroom lights [ 2 Answers ]

Simple one to start with wife has just bought chrome pull switch for bathroom , on new switch it has 3 terminals L1 L2 and C only 2 wires from old switch no colors cannot see L1 L2 or C on old one which wires go where... :confused:

20A Plug help needed before hurricane strikes [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 20 amp(4 prong) female outlet on my generator, I bought the following: 20amp 4-prong male plug 15 ft of 4 cable 8 gauge rubber coated wiring a metal power box (don't know the official name) 2 pole 3 wire 20 amp grounding outlet (2 plugs) 2 pole 3 wire 15 amp duplex receptacle...

Too many lights [ 2 Answers ]

How many lights can you run off one 15 amp breaker in order to be in compliance of code?

3 lights ran between 2 3-ways, can one of these lights be controlled by a 3rd switch? [ 2 Answers ]

There are 3 lights connected, 2 in one room and the third at the bottom of the stairs. There is a 3-way at the top of the stairs and another in the room with the 2 lights. This guy would like to also be able to switch off just the 3rd light at the bottom of the stairs. I did not dig into this too...

HB lights? [ 2 Answers ]

I have moved into a house with two ceiling fans without lights. I want to add lights to them. I THINK they are HAMPTON Bay, but am not sure. Can't find model numbers, but styles seem similar to HB fans. I'm looking for a place to buy a light fixture that fits with the fans. ANy suggestions?

View more questions Search