Maximum lights on a single circuit

sbazzle

I'm getting close to finishing my kitchen remodel, and I'll be working my way to the living room next. My question is in regards to the maximum number of lights that be connected to a single circuit. I'd like to add my living room lights to the kitchen lighting circuit.

Now, I feel like I know the answer, but just need some confirmation. I think this question is more about whether my math is correct. On a 15-amp circuit, at 120 volts, the maximum number of watts the circuit can handle should be 1800. And since I use CF bulbs exclusively, figuring for a maximum of 20 watts per bulb, a single circuit should be able to handle 75 bulbs on at the same time.

With an estimated total of 20 lights between the kitchen and living room, this seems like a no-brainer. But then can (or should) I go further, say, by adding even more rooms to that circuit beyond the kitchen and living room?

oberkc

I think you might want to consider the possibility that you, or others, may choose to use something other than CFL in your fixtures at some point in the future. Unless your fixtures are designed in such a way that CFLs are your only option, I would size your circuit based on the max wattage possible for each fixture.

sbazzle

Good suggestion. Thanks.

Jim Port

This would agree with the code requirements.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.