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raveenboy · Feb 7, 2009, 04:20 AM

I am wonder how many window candles I can put on a single circuit? The situations is new construction and I am using 30 dedicated sillites (brand can be found on the web). Each candle is 7 watts and since the outlet is built into the window sill and can only be used for the candle no other appliance will be on this circuit. Also should I be considering a ground fault breaker based on the proximity of the unit to a window that might be left open? Finally. I would like to switch all 30 units from one location, possibly with a timer as well. Can one switch / timer handle all 30 candles each using seven watts. Thanks.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2009, 06:08 AM

One circuit is fine. You could literally put 200 of those candles on one 20A circuit.

I personally think a GFI circuit is way overkill. Besides, if your area requires them, you will be required to use an AFCI Breaker, which also provides a level of GFI protection.

raveenboy · Feb 7, 2009, 09:25 AM

Stanfortyman,

If you suggest a 20amp circuit then what type of wire should I use 12/2 or 14/2?

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2009, 10:30 AM

I am not really suggesting a 20A circuit, I just used that as an example.

As long as the distance is not too great, which I doubt it will be, then a 15A is easier to run and will serve you fine. If all you will have will be these candles you will not even be using close to it's capacity.
You'd use 14/2 for 15A. For a 20A circuit like this you'd use 12/2.

Missouri Bound · Feb 7, 2009, 11:50 AM

These "sill" lights, if I am not mistaken are low voltage. They operate on a transformer. Make sure that 30 lamps can be operated on one transformer. This being the case, 14/2 won't be the wire used. It's a low voltage wire supplied from the manufacturer, usually 18/2. You better check with the manufacturer for proper installation instructions.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2009, 11:54 AM

Missouri, all those electric "candles" I have ever seen, and the ones we have in our house at Christmas time, were all 120v plug in and use 7 or 4 watt night light bulbs.

What are the ones you are talking about?

raveenboy · Feb 7, 2009, 11:56 AM

This particular brand is not a low voltage system it uses a single faced standard outlet. The house they are going in is over a hundred feet in length.

Missouri Bound · Feb 7, 2009, 12:00 PM

Stanforty... check out windowcandles.com. Raveenboy, you should check it out as well. Seems to me since you plan on using only window candles on that circuit you could save a TON of money with the low-voltage design, especially on installation.

raveenboy · Feb 7, 2009, 12:05 PM

As I stated in my original question the lights are 7 watts per candle. So I am thinking my load is about 210 watts. However the run from upstairs to down stairs to the panel box will include about 500 feet of daisy chain wiring. With that said I will bring each chain (2 upstairs runs, 2 downstairs runs, Garage run) to one central location at approximately no more than 100 linear feet per chain to the panel box. Totalling 4 or 5 runs tied to one switch. If that make sense.

raveenboy · Feb 7, 2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the idea on the other brand. The rough in cost is only $10.00 per window plus the wire. Since you have to run wire no matter which system you choose the $10.00 price seems to be good. Once the house is finished you pick your candle options. Also reasonable priced. Because there are so many windows the low voltage systems are not price competitive as you will need multiple transformers to run the base system. All great ideas though. Thanks again.

Missouri Bound · Feb 7, 2009, 12:11 PM

You're welcome. Just thought I'd throw it out there for you. Good luck with your project.

Setwizard · Dec 6, 2010, 07:27 PM

The low voltage/transformer type window candles mentioned by Missouri are only available through dealers, and believe me, by the time you go through the middleman they are extremely expensive! I am a builder in NJ, I tried buying them directly from window candles.com, but there are too many strings attached becoming a dealer. One is required to invest thousands which wouldn't be too bad if the product were affordable. Sillites on the other hand are very affordable

jeromeP · Mar 12, 2012, 05:13 PM

You should look at WindowCandles, a low voltage safe window candle. You can have up to 48 candles on a run and each is only 2 watts. The bulbs are not hot and is safe low voltage. We have 88 in our home all LED type and use one $15.oo transformer.
Jerome P.

stanfortyman · Mar 13, 2012, 01:41 PM

jeromeP, please check the dates of posts you are replying to.