30A+ Lighting circuits?

[Nickarus]

First, a big hello to the forum! :smile:

Yesterday I was circuiting up some parking lot lighting, and it occurred to me that most lighting contactors are rated for 30A, however I almost always have stuck strictly to 20A breakers/circuits for all lighting circuits (indoor and exterior) out of habit.

Is there anything in the NEC or elsewhere stopping us from using 30A, or even higher amperages, for lighting circuits inside or outside? I looked closely through the luminaires Article 410 in both the 2005 and 2008 codes, but no cigar...

I presume that sticking to only 20A circuits is beneficial if only to break up large buildings so that you can shut off only a small part of the building's lights to work on that circuit.

 

[480sparky]

First off, welcome from the whole gang!

I suspect you'll find your answer in the listing of the fixtures.... they probably are not rated for any more than a 20a OCD.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Welcome to the forum

I will direct you to art 210.23(B)

(B) 30-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 30-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply fixed lighting units with heavy-duty lampholders in other than a dwelling unit(s) or utilization equipment in any occupancy. A rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.

 

[barbeer]

IMHO there is nothing prohibiting you from a larger circuit.

 

[Nickarus]

Welcome to the forum

I will direct you to art 210.23(B)

Alright!

I did my homework... this all hinges on whether or not you're dealing with "heavy duty lampholders."

This is defined in 210.21(A), and is made more clear by the commentary. The way I read it, unless you're dealing with 750W+ (i.e. powerful exterior lighting) lamping, you don't have heavy-duty lampholders and must use a 20A lighting circuit.

Thanks very much! :grin: