pole lights

[mannyb]

We have 20a breakers but running #8 for VD for parking lot lights. Does the #8 wire need to also go up the pole to fixtures? Can smaller wire be used for termination inside pole to fixture? like #10?

 

[jumper]

We have 20a breakers but running #8 for VD for parking lot lights. Does the #8 wire need to also go up the pole to fixtures? Can smaller wire be used for termination inside pole to fixture? like #10?

Yes or even #12 CU is fine. The key point is that all circuit conductors have a sufficient final adjusted/corrected minimum ampacity of 20A.

 

[kwired]

You can reduce to 12 AWG any where it won't have undesired voltage drop. Example you might have a long run to first pole and run 8 AWG to that point. After first pole you possibly reduce conductor size as voltage drop beyond that point isn't as significant anymore.

Some situations you may even be able to run 18 AWG up the pole to the luminaire at top.