Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Questioning Circuit Load
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avadaddy88
10-21-09, 03:11 PM
Thank you for reading this. We current have one 15 amp circuit supplying our master bedroom, closet, & bathroom (minus gfi plug-ins). Our ambition is to add 8 pot lights to the master bedroom totaling an additional 320 watts. When I add the total watts of current light fixtures, fixtures, items plugged in outlets, & the possible additional pot lights, I come up with 1490 watts. Since trying to wire a new circuit to the breaker box would be a nightmare, I'm looking to tie these additional lights into this circuit, Question is 1490 watts too much? Never would all of these items be on simultaneously.
If it is too much, could I add cfl pot lights or is the act of adding additional items a no-no to such a circuit?
Thank you so much for any help!!
If it is too much, could I add cfl pot lights or is the act of adding additional items a no-no to such a circuit?
Thank you so much for any help!!
ray2047
10-21-09, 04:27 PM
I know you wrote: Since trying to wire a new circuit to the breaker box would be a nightmare, But it may not be as bad as you think. First tell us why you think it would be hard.
By current code the receptacles in the bath room should be on their own 20a circuit. Even one hair dryer can max out a 15a circuit. I suggest first bringing the bathroom up to code. While the bathroom light can remain on the bedroom circuit I'd suggest moving it to the new bathroom circuit. It should ahead of the GFCI protection so you don't lose the light if you trip the GFCI.
If the current 15a circuit serves only the master BR then removing the bathroom may give you enough power.
By current code the receptacles in the bath room should be on their own 20a circuit. Even one hair dryer can max out a 15a circuit. I suggest first bringing the bathroom up to code. While the bathroom light can remain on the bedroom circuit I'd suggest moving it to the new bathroom circuit. It should ahead of the GFCI protection so you don't lose the light if you trip the GFCI.
If the current 15a circuit serves only the master BR then removing the bathroom may give you enough power.
avadaddy88
10-21-09, 04:47 PM
The receptacles in the bathroom are on a separate 20amp gfi circuit.
Wiring a new circuit would involve trying to fish the cable 2 floors into an insulated & drywalled garage. I know it's doable but if I can go this route, it'd make this project a whole lot easier.
Wiring a new circuit would involve trying to fish the cable 2 floors into an insulated & drywalled garage. I know it's doable but if I can go this route, it'd make this project a whole lot easier.
ray2047
10-21-09, 05:34 PM
If there is an attic above the cable cold be run to the attic through conduit but since you are looking for an easier way then reducing lighting loads with reduced watt bulbs would help If you applied the continuous load rule of 80% you'd actually come out with 1440 watts max but as you say everything wouldn't be on all the time so you would be ok.... just barely. Wait for the Pros to weigh in this is too close for me to call. Is there another circuit such as a guest bedroom you could put the lights on?
Note by NEC any load that operates for 3 hours or more is continious.
Note by NEC any load that operates for 3 hours or more is continious.