# of circuits on a 15 amp circuit

bohaiboy

We have a new home (1 year old). We have a series of switches on a 15 amp breaker that continuously blows. I think the circuiot is too small for what is on it. Here goes.

3 lights in master closet - 2-100 watt blbs ea
1 set strip lights in dressing area - 6 lights 40 watts ea
1 ceiling fan
1 four gang outlet
2 - 2 gang outlets
2 40 watt lights over shower area
1 vent fan in master bath
1 100 watt light in master tilet area
1 vent fan in master toilet area.

This seems overload to me. All started as a dimming of lights when wife turned hairdryer on. Last night tripped circuit brk with just the closet lights and dressing area lights.

Thoughts or comments appreciated. I know electrician is not going to want to run new wire and circuit breaker, but I think it is his fault.

220/221

Bingo. There's 10 of the amps right there.

A 1 year old house in the US will have a dedicated 20 amp circuit just for the bathroom(s) recep(s).


Also....1960 called. It wants it's 100 watt incandescant bulbs back. Get with the program and use proper, efficient lighting.

Scuba_Dave

You have (6) 100w bulbs in a closet
That's 5a right there = 1/3 of the power on the circuit
Are you sure they are rated for 100w bulbs? Usually (2) 60w bulbs

Install 23w CFL's in place of the 100w bulbs
Install 9w CFL's in place of the 40w bulbs
That will free up 539w+248w = 787w
Plus save on your electric bill

The lights alone are using 1/2 of the circuit power

As stated the bathroom should have a dedicated 20a circuit
Poccibly the bathroomdoes & this is a dressing area?
Poor choice on the electricians part to mix all the lights & outlets
He should run a new circuit

bohaiboy

We installed CFL in closet, but it throws clothes off color so wife had a fit. THe closet is approximately 12'x20'. I beleive the lights are actually 60 watts.

Scuba_Dave

Check the "K" rating of the CFL's
There are 3-4 different color variations
Normal - usually a green package at HD - low end 3300K
Mid level - 4500K
Daylight - bright sunshine - looks nice - 5000K-6500K
HD has 5500K bulbs
Lowes has 6500K bulbs - we like the Lowes higher K bulbs better

joed

Receptacles don't use any power. You have about 1000 watts used for lights out of 1800 available. As long as you don't plug any high power devices in the receptacles you are fine.
A hairdryer is a very high power device. You should add a separate circuit for the area where the hair dryer is being used.

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