Table of Contents
Wire Gauges and Uses Wire Use Rated Ampacity Wire Gauge Low-voltage Lighting and Lamp Cords 10 Amps 18 Gauge Extension Cords 13 Amps 16 Gauge Light Fixtures, Lamps, Lighting Runs 15 Amps 14 Gauge Receptacles, 110-volt Air Conditioners, Sump Pumps, Kitchen Appliances 20 Amps 12 Gauge.
What is 1.5 mm cable used for?
1.5 mm is most commonly used for lighting circuitry and switches. 2.5 mm is most commonly used for ring mains, plug and socket wiring. 4 mm is most commonly used for high power ring mains, plug and socket wiring. 6, 10 and 16 mm are most commonly used for high powered small appliances such as cookers.
Can 14 2 wire be used for lights?
A 14/2 wire has two wires, but can only carry 15 amps. The 14/2 wire can be used for lights or any other electrical equipment, but the load should not be more than 80% of the current capacity approximately 1500 watts.
Can I use 1mm cable for lighting?
1mm unless exceptionly long runs or other unusuall circumstances need larger. 1mm will be run at less than half its rating in most circumstances, if we consider 1.5 to be needed for lighting, then by the same logic for a 32 amp radial we should select cable suitable for about 60 amps !Dec 16, 2012.
Can I use 2.5 mm cable for lighting?
2.5mm should be fine so long as the breaker is <= 10a. In fact it’s actually quite a good idea as it will help with volt drop. Personally I would say that he must have some other reason for insisting on this as no spark in his right mind would get busted up over the cable size being too big.
Can I use 14 gauge wire for LED lights?
14 gauge wire will carry 20 amps. (But see NEC, the National Electrical Code). A 100-watt- equivalent LED light consumes about 13 watt, or about 0.11 amps. So, that’s about 180 such lamps.
Is it OK to mix 12 and 14 gauge wire?
It’s perfectly safe to use it. Don’t worry about confusing future workers. If they want to add something to the circuit, they will have to go turn off the circuit breaker first, and then they will see they are working with a 15 amp circuit.
Can I use 16 gauge wire for lighting?
Choosing Electrical Wire Size 16-gauge are used for light-duty extension cords supporting 13 amps. 14-gauge are usedfor light fixtures, lamps, lighting circuits with 15 amps. 12-gauge are used in kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt air conditioners supporting 20 amps.
Should I use 1mm or 1.5 mm cable for lighting?
Lighting circuits are generally run in 1mm2 two-core-and-earth cable, but particularly long circuits can use 1.5mm2 cable to compensate for the drop in voltage experienced on long cable runs.
Can 1.5 mm cable be used for lighting?
Yes LD is right. allow about 1100w load per lighting radial, and with each light taken to be 100w, that’s 10 -11 units. Always use 1.5mm meself, as it’s got abit more meat.
Can I use 1.5 mm cable for sockets?
1.5mm cable may be ok for a single spur socket, but is not recomended, as if the single spur socket was to get replaced by a double socket, the double socket will not be able to provide enough amperage. ( 13 amps plus 13 amps equals 26 amps.).
What size electrical wire do I need for lights?
Wire Gauges and Uses Wire Use Rated Ampacity Wire Gauge Low-voltage Lighting and Lamp Cords 10 Amps 18 Gauge Extension Cords 13 Amps 16 Gauge Light Fixtures, Lamps, Lighting Runs 15 Amps 14 Gauge Receptacles, 110-volt Air Conditioners, Sump Pumps, Kitchen Appliances 20 Amps 12 Gauge.
Can you use 3 core cable for lighting?
3 core cable can be used for these types of fittings also, however a 3 core cable MUST be used with any light, lamp, bulb holder or fitting with a conductive or metal exterior surface to ensure against risk of electrocution or serious injury.
What wire is used for lighting UK?
The reason is that BS EN 60598 – the applicable British and European standard for lights – requires cable to be at least 0.75mm² for light fittings. All the lights we make – wall and ceiling lights and Custom Lighting pendant lights are wired with 0.75mm² cable to comply with the British standard.
Can I use 18 gauge wire for LED lights?
Most people would likely recommend using a solid core 18-gauge wire for your LED lights. The cost difference between this wire size and a much smaller cable is negligible, and 18-gauge is about as big as you can go if you would like your wires to fit into most holders or terminals.
How many lights can you put on a 12 2 wire?
How many lights can be put on a 12-2 gauge wire? Now that you know why you should use 12-2 gauge wires. So for a 12-2 gauge wire, the number of lights will be (30×15) 450 watts. So you can load 450 watts on your 12-2 gauge wires.
Can I use 18 gauge wire for lights?
It is very common for factory fixture wires to be 18 AWG or even smaller. Perfectly fine, because they are part of a listed and labelled assembly. If you have to add your own wires, they need to be 14 or 12 AWG, depending on the breaker protecting the circuit. It will work, but may not meet code requirements.
What happens if you use 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?
I would say 14 gauge wire anywhere on a 20 amp circuit is not OK. The purpose of the breaker is to cut off power before the wiring overheats. If you plug in several devices on an outlet that total 20 amps, you will exceed the safe working capacity of the 14 gauge wire without tripping the breaker.
How do I know if my wire is 12 or 14 gauge?
How do you tell if your old wiring is 12-gauge or 14-gauge? Here’s a simple visual. Twelve gauge is about the thickness of a nickel, and 14-gauge is about the thickness of a dime. Also, look at the breaker for the circuit in question to see if it’s a 15-amp or a 20-amp breaker.
Can I use 12 2 wire for a light?
2 Answers. As long as you have a 15A circuit breaker on that circuit, it’s OK to use 12/2 NM cable for your lights. Since the maximum current on the circuit will be 15A, you won’t need special switches.
