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Yes as long as the load is compatible with the wiring size and breaker protecting the circuit. Usually the lighting and outlets are separate just as a best practice, and new work may require separation depending on the locale.

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14y ago
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5mo ago

Yes, 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.

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10y ago

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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15y ago

Yes, up to a combination of 12 devices. Devices include receptacles, switches and light outlets. Each outlet box counts as one device

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13y ago

Yes. Most homes have at least 1 outlet on a switch for lamps and Christmas trees

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Q: Can Lights and outlets be on the same circuit?
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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.

Related questions

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 the power to your whirlpool be on the same 20 amp circuit as the bathroom lights and outlets?

No, the whirlpool has a motor load connected to it and should be connected to a dedicated ground fault breaker.


How many wall outlets can you have in a circuit using a A breaker?

Assuming this is not an office of a place where lots of the outlets will be used to power items that draw lots of current on a 15 amp circuit wired with 14/2 wire I would limit it to no more than 10 outlets and lights combined. On a 20 amp circuit wired with 12/2 wire I would limit it to a 14 outlets and lights combined. There is no limit in the code. You just use common sense based on what is going to be used on this circuit.


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.


Is the number plate light on the same circuit as the head lights?

The number plate light is usually on the same circuit as the head lights.


How many lights off one switch?

ten lights per curcuitCircuit loadingIn Canada there shall be not more that 12 outlets on any 2 wire branch circuit. Such outlets shall be considered to be rated at not more that 1 amp per outlet. Where the connected load is known, the number of outlets may exceed 12 providing the load current does not exceed 80 % of the rating of the over current device protecting the circuit.


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.


How many neutral wires are needed for lighting and outlets?

If they are on the same circuit you only need 1 neutral wire in the circuit.


When a home circuit breaker opens the lights in some rooms go off but the lights in some rooms stay on. Explain why.?

The circuit breakers in a panelboard feed separate circuits. The lights that stay on are on a different circuit than the ones that go off. To fine the circuit that feeds the lights that stay on, go to the panelboard and turn off the breakers one by one until the lights go out. This is the circuit that feeds that circuit of lights. Remember that lights and receptacles can be on the same circuit together.


What is the fuse called for the tail lights and dash lights?

parking lights, these are usually tied to the same circuit as the instrument panel lights