Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Kitchen 12 volt lighting - wire/breaker size

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DavidJ
05-02-08, 08:41 AM
I am installing a ceiling mounted light fixture that has a maximum capacity of 300 watts at 12 volts. This translates to 25 amps between the transformer and the fixture and requires #10 AWG cable for the 10 foot run.

However, it is only drawing around 2.5 amps at 120 volts between the breaker and transformer.

Is it correct to size the breaker and wire size for the lower load?

Thanks,
David J

classicsat
05-02-08, 09:49 AM
You would size the breaker in your power, and the wiring, for the line side, which would be 2.5A. Unless you need to install it on its own circuit, it would probably be okay to install it on a nearby general lighting circuit.

It is the same load, fundamentally, just a different proportion of volts/amps.