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JordanYes, lights and outlets can be on the same circuit in a residential electrical system. However, it is important to consult local electrical codes that may have specific requirements for the number of outlets and lights that can be on a circuit for safety and compliance reasons.
You can certainly do this if you obey certain rules and many older homes might have evolved in this way. this is not to say that this is condoned by the electric code. You need to make sure that the wiring and devices are consistent for the amperage of the breaker. For example lighting circuits would typically use 14 AWG while a 20 Amp outlet would use 12 AWG. You wouldn't want to run 14 AWG to a light from an outlet protected by a 20 A breaker. Also the internal wiring in lamp should match the current rating of the protecting breaker. Hence, the norm would be to separate the two different types of circuits.
You can, but usually don't. You are more likely to trip a breaker by plugging something into an outlet. If the lights are on the same circuit, you can be left in the dark. Also, depending on what is in the outlet, the lights will dim slightly when you use it. I don't know current codes and yours may vary. It used to be 10 outlets or lights on a circuit using 12/2 wire and a 20 amp. breaker. That's old information and may no longer be correct.
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If a 1950 era house has 10 gauge wiring for lights and outlets can you safely extend wiring with 12-2 for additional lights and outlets?
Mixing different gauge wires in the same circuit is not recommended as it can lead to electrical hazards. It is better to use the same gauge wire throughout the circuit to maintain consistency in the electrical load. If you're adding new lights and outlets, it's best to use the same gauge wire as the existing one.
Can the outlets in a circuit be arranged in different groupings to obtain the same result Why?
Yes, the outlets in a circuit can be arranged in different groupings to obtain the same result because the total load on the circuit remains the same regardless of how the outlets are grouped. As long as the total current draw does not exceed the circuit's capacity, changing the grouping of outlets will not affect the overall functionality.
Can you put 4 - 32 watt 48 inch fluorescent lights and 8 outlets on 1 - 20 amp breaker?
It is generally not recommended to have both lights and outlets on the same circuit, as it can easily overload the circuit. It is best practice to have dedicated circuits for lighting and outlets to ensure safety and prevent tripping breakers. Consider installing a separate circuit for the fluorescent lights and another for the outlets.
What are the parts of the common household circuit?
A common household circuit consists of a breaker, wiring, outlets, and switches. The breaker protects the circuit from overloading, the wiring carries the electricity to the outlets and switches, and the outlets provide the connection for devices to receive power. The switches control the flow of electricity to the outlets or lights.
How many recessed lights can you put on a 20 Amp circuit breaker?
As a general guideline, you can typically install about 10-12 LED recessed lights on a 20 Amp circuit breaker. However, the exact number may vary depending on the wattage of the lights and any other devices connected to the circuit. It's recommended to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure proper installation and avoid overloading the circuit.
