20 amp lighting circuit?

[frankft2000]

I have read that the NEC requires that all lighting ciruits be 15 amp, but I can't seem to find it in the code. Is it there?

 

[dereckbc]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

No.

 

[steve66]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

But you are limited to a load of 16 amps on a 20 amp circuit since lighting is considered a continous load.

Maybe thats what you were thinking of.


Steve

 

[jeff43222]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

Originally posted by steve66:
But you are limited to a load of 16 amps on a 20 amp circuit since lighting is considered a continous load.

Technically, I don't believe lighting is always considered to be continuous, but it's still good practice to assume it is and load your circuits accordingly.

I use 20A circuits for lighting, but I always limit the max load to 16A.

 

[frankft2000]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

TY for your help.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

if it is residential 15 or 20 is legal and i prefer 15 due to some lamp cords being under 18 gage .This is just personal choice but NEC allows 15 or 20
i also would not go past 80 % load
Must ask if you read it in nec why are you asking ?

[ July 12, 2004, 09:18 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]

 

[iwire]

Re: 20 amp lighting circuit?

240.5(B)(1) allows 18 AWG lamp and appliance cords to be plugged into 20 amp branch circuits.