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14 AWG vs. 12 AWG for lighting?

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14 AWG vs. 12 AWG for lighting? vasilica_1 05-26-2008
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Posted by on May 26, 2008, 6:27 pm
How do I determine the maximum number of lighting fixtures I can wire
from one light switch? I'm thinking of 12 recessed light fixtures (on
a dimmer switch for the main room of the basement). But is 14 AWG
sufficient? or should I use 12 AWG from the switch to each?

-Paul

Electric Radiant Heat 468x60
Posted by RBM on May 26, 2008, 6:38 pm

> How do I determine the maximum number of lighting fixtures I can wire
> from one light switch? I'm thinking of 12 recessed light fixtures (on
> a dimmer switch for the main room of the basement). But is 14 AWG
> sufficient? or should I use 12 AWG from the switch to each?
>
> -Paul

Are you installing a dedicated circuit for this lighting?
What will be the total wattage of the fixtures you plan to use ?
Will they be incandescent, line voltage, low voltage, , or fluorescent?



Posted by Joseph Meehan on May 26, 2008, 6:42 pm
The wire size is dependent on the current the line will carry and the
rating of the breaker/fuse. It is also important that you use a dimmer that
is designed to handle the maximum current as well. In both cases I
recommend going higher on the wire rather than lower if in doubt. Go lower
rather than higher on the breaker/fuse. You may put 25 watt lamps in there,
but some fool may decide to use 200 watt lamps.

> How do I determine the maximum number of lighting fixtures I can wire
> from one light switch? I'm thinking of 12 recessed light fixtures (on
> a dimmer switch for the main room of the basement). But is 14 AWG
> sufficient? or should I use 12 AWG from the switch to each?
>
> -Paul


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit




Posted by on May 26, 2008, 8:38 pm
wrote:
> =A0 =A0 The wire size is dependent on the current the line will carry and =
the
> rating of the breaker/fuse. =A0It is also important that you use a dimmer =
that
> is designed to handle the maximum current as well. =A0In both cases I
> recommend going higher on the wire rather than lower if in doubt. =A0Go lo=
wer
> rather than higher on the breaker/fuse. =A0You may put 25 watt lamps in th=
ere,
> but some fool may decide to use 200 watt lamps.
>

All valid concerns. I planned on running 12AWG to the switch and then
14AWG thereafter to each of the lights. The recessed fixture maximum
wattage is 75W. I will check on the rating of the dimmer switch.

Posted by Don Klipstein on May 26, 2008, 9:29 pm
millinghill@yahoo.com wrote:
>wrote:
>>     The wire size is dependent on the current the line will carry and the
>> rating of the breaker/fuse.  It is also important that you use a dimmer that
>> is designed to handle the maximum current as well.  In both cases I
>> recommend going higher on the wire rather than lower if in doubt.  Go lower
>> rather than higher on the breaker/fuse.  You may put 25 watt lamps in there,
>> but some fool may decide to use 200 watt lamps.
>>
>
>All valid concerns. I planned on running 12AWG to the switch and then
>14AWG thereafter to each of the lights. The recessed fixture maximum
>wattage is 75W. I will check on the rating of the dimmer switch.

I remember reading that it is against code to mix wire sizes in a branch
circuit. I don't know if it is against NEC or a local building code
somewhere, but I have the impression that most local codes follow NEC.

- Don Klipstein (don@misty.com)

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