Calculating lighting loads to determine amperage and maximum loads.

How many 65watt recessed lights can safely be put on one switch?

Regular WALL SWITCHES are rated for 15 or 20 amps of load. Most houses have the 15 amp variety, so let''s do the math using that assumption. If you divide 65 watts by 120 volts you get .54 amps per light. So on a 15 amp switch you could have 27 lamps for a total of 14.63 amps. 65 multiplied by 27 equals 1,755 total watts. If you plan to install a DIMMER CONTROL you will have to split up the load into several switches or do not exceed 800 watts per switch leg.

Labels: Dimmer Control, Lighting Load Calculation, Wall Switches

posted by xinger @ 10:08 PM