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    dwdon's Avatar
    dwdon Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 12, 2008, 09:34 PM
    How many recessed 65 W lights on one 20amp circuit?
    My question is pretty straight forward. I am going to have 20 recepticals and 16 recessed lights to wire. I have plenty of room for additional breakers in my box I also prefer using 20 amp breakers 12/2 wiring. How do you calculate how many lights and recepticals can go on one circuit? My maximum length of run will be approx 90ft.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 13, 2008, 05:18 AM
    In the US there are no limits in a residential setting, so this is just my own educated opinion.

    I would put ten receptacles on a circuit, and all the lighting on one circuit.
    I would also NOT use #12 for the lighting. If you do use the #12 for the lighting you'll see afterwards why I said this.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #3

    Apr 13, 2008, 07:18 AM
    Stanforty, why would you NOT use #12 other than cost?
    I agree with the 3 circuits.
    dwdon, you can have 30 65 watt bulbs on a 20 Amp circuit.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 13, 2008, 08:12 AM
    I almost never use #12 for residential lighting circuits. I also use #14 for certain receptacle circuits.
    It is way too much of a pain to work with, fills switch boxes up MUCH faster (box fill wise), is horrendous when 3-ways and 4-ways and dimmers are involved, and IMO there is NO good reason to use it.
    Capacity is also a non-issue IMO. I just a few more circuits in the scope of a whole house. It's not like the load on a circuit is going to change much, especially in a new house.

    I don't subscribe to the "bigger is always better" philosophy. I subscribe to the "work smarter, not harder" philosophy.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #5

    Apr 13, 2008, 12:42 PM
    I Believe "Do it right Once and Forget abot it". Not sure if we can use #14 down here yet, even if we could I would likely only use with lighting circuits. 99.9% of work I do is in conduit, plus 1 or 16 lights only need one set of wires at switch box, and use X rings if they need, I use X ring at most switch locations for future upgrade with Automation devices. I also use stranded #12 , fits in boxes better and less stress on devices.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #6

    Apr 13, 2008, 01:44 PM
    I forgot you are in #12 and conduit country.
    Hey, to each his own, and deal with the requirements in your area.

    I certainly DO feel using #14 in a logically wired circuit most definitely IS doing it right the first time.
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