How Many LED Lights on a 15 Amp Circuit? | Calculating LED Lights for a 15 Amp Circuit

Most people believe that a circuit can only support a specific number of lights and still function effectively. That isn’t always the case, though. Then, how many LED lights on a 15-amp circuit? You can put more lights on a circuit than the norm and it will still work absolutely fine.

If there is nothing else wired into the circuit, you can use up to 1440 watts (allowing for a small amount of room in case of a power surge), which is enough for 14 100-watt lights or 22 65-watt lights.

How to Find Out the Number of LED Lights Can be Used on a 15-amp Circuit?

The number of LED lights that can be connected to a 15-amp circuit is determined by the wattage of the lights and the number of other items linked to the circuit at the same time. 

If you’re placing LED lights on a 15-amp circuit, make sure you’re not exceeding the circuit’s maximum power. Because most LED lights are low-power. You should be able to connect multiple lights to a single circuit.

What will Happen If you Plug Too Much into a Circuit?

If you connect more bulbs and other devices to the same circuit than the manufacturer recommends, the circuit may overload. All of the appliances linked to the circuit will be turned off and stopped. If you are not careful, it might result in circuit overheating, fire, or even an explosion.

Overload

The ratings of the receptacles you intend to add to a circuit must be compared to the circuit’s rating. You have a 15-amp circuit in this situation. It’s standard to give the average bulb or outlet 1.5 amps of power.

Keeping this in mind, a 15-amp circuit can theoretically handle a total of 10 lights and outlets; however, this isn’t always the case.

Regulations

The number of outlets and lights you can add to a 15 amp circuit isn’t specified in the NEC (National Electrical Code). You may install as many lights and outlets as you like, for the most part. Your municipal government, on the other hand, may have laws governing this matter. Before you start, double-check with them.

Max wattage

Here’s a chart that provides the maximum wattage for various amperages (A) on a 120-volt circuit, while adhering to the recommended 80% safety threshold:

Mathematically How Many LED Lights on a 15 Amp Circuit

Since it’s a recommended practice that a circuit should not be loaded beyond 80% of its capacity for safety, it’s advisable to ensure that your lighting fixtures do not draw more than 12 amps on a 15-amp circuit.

15 Amps * 0.8 = 12 Amps

To determine the potential number of light fixtures that can be safely connected to a 15-amp circuit, you can calculate its continuous power capacity using a straightforward formula: watts = volts x amps.

In this case, the circuit can consistently deliver 1440 watts:

P = V x I
= 120 x 12
= 1440 Watts

Then, by dividing this result by the wattage of each bulb, you can estimate the maximum number of bulbs. For instance, if you are using 10-watt, 120V LED light bulbs, you can install up to 144 of them:

1440W / 10W = 144

Comparison With Other Bulbs on a 15 Amps Circuit

When comparing different types of bulbs on a 15-amp circuit, consider factors like wattage and the number of bulbs you can safely use. Incandescent bulbs, LEDs, and CFLs have different power requirements. Here’s a general comparison:

Incandescent Bulbs

These are less energy-efficient and typically come in higher wattages. On a 15-amp circuit with a 120V supply, you can use a limited number of high-wattage incandescent bulbs before reaching the circuit’s capacity. For example, you can use about 19 bulbs rated at 75 watts each.

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient and consume significantly fewer watts compared to incandescent bulbs for the same level of brightness. You can use more LED bulbs on a 15-amp circuit. For example, you might be able to use many more LED bulbs, depending on their wattage, while staying within the circuit’s capacity.

CFL Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are also energy-efficient and fall between incandescent and LED bulbs in terms of wattage. You can use more CFL bulbs compared to incandescent bulbs of the same wattage while staying within the circuit’s capacity.

The specific number of bulbs you can use depends on the wattage of the bulbs and the circuit’s load capacity, keeping in mind the recommended 80% safety threshold. Always follow safety guidelines and consult an electrician if you have questions about your specific lighting setup.

Mixing 12 and 14-gauge wire

Both 14 and 12 gauges will be protected by a 15A breaker if 14 gauges NM and 12 gauges are mixed. According to the code, 14GA will be protected by a 15A overcurrent device, whereas 12GA will be protected by a 20A overcurrent device. Both 14 and 12 volts are OK behind a 15 amp breaker, but only one can be used at a time.

Amperage

The quantity of electrical energy flowing through a light fixture at any particular time is referred to as amperage or current. On each fixture, the number of amps will be clearly marked.

Electrical Wire

From the circuit breaker, electrical wire transports power to outlets or appliances. An insulator, is made of a metal that conducts electricity easily, typically copper. Different wires have been designed to support different loads.

Common Queries

How Many 75-Watt Lights Can be on a 15 Amp Circuit?

By applying the formula mentioned earlier, with a 120V circuit and adhering to the 80% safety threshold, you can safely utilize as many as 19 light bulbs rated at 75 watts each.

How Many 100-Watt Bulbs can be on a 15 Amp Circuit?

When the circuit is rated at 15 amps and the lights require a 120V power source, you can accommodate a maximum of 14 units of 100-watt light bulbs within the circuit’s capacity.

Can I Go Above the 80%?

Exceeding the 80% load limit on a circuit is not recommended due to safety concerns. Staying within this limit helps prevent overheating, circuit breaker tripping, and potential fire hazards.

What Happens If I Plug Too Much Into a Circuit?

Plugging too much into a circuit can lead to overloading, causing circuit breakers to trip, overheating, and potentially electrical fires.

Last Words

A 15-amp circuit can accommodate an unlimited number of lights. You can add as many outlets as you desire in terms of outlets. You must, however, make sure that the appliances you’ve connected don’t use up too much of the circuit’s capacity. Keep a close eye on the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as local standards and regulations.