[mginster]

I have 4 of the Pacific ballast and 2 of the Advance ballast as shown in the attached images. How many amps am I pulling on the entire circuit?

If my calculations are correct, each is rated at 40w max, therefore 240w total, so 2A if calculated theoretically and 3.64 if I utilize the amperage ratings on the ballast.

The reason I am asking is because I have a Lutron remote setup that only has a switch rated for 5A, not a typical 15A and I want to ensure I do not go over the rated amperage. Also, is it fine to put a 5A switch on a 15A or 20A circuit? (not sure if its 15 or 20 at the moment).

 

[curiousB]

You should use the input current. The ballasts aren't 100% efficient so you must consider the power consumption of the bulb and the losses in the ballast. So you are 3.56A

 

[mginster]

So I should still be fine hooking it up to a 5A switch correct? Are switches also rated at 80% efficiency like breakers? IE 4A on a 5A switch.

Is it also fine to put the 5A switch on a 15/20A circuit?

 

[TarheelTerp]

Is it also fine to put the 5A switch on a 15/20A circuit?

NO. Go back to the store and spend $2 on a 15A rated switch.
eta... (or whatever you need to spend to get the right part)

For the same reason that you don't mix 14ga wire in with 12ga on a 20A circuit you don't stick under rated devices on that circuit either.

A lamp maker might incorporate such components (and get the whole UL tested) but a builder can't do that.

otoh... if the question is limited to "If I did this would it work?...

 

[mginster]

Please read the post.

"The reason I am asking is because I have a Lutron remote setup that only has a switch rated for 5A, not a typical 15A"

To be more specific I plan to get a AR-5ANS from this page.

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/WholeHomeSystems/AuroRA/ModelNumbers.aspx

 

[parman]

When calculating current usage for fluorescent ballasts, you must take the current rating of the ballast (listed on the ballast) based on the lamp type, number of lamps and wattage of your lamps that you are using.

You did not say how many lamps per fixture so I took the highest rated current for each ballast and calculated 3.88 amps total. 5A switch would handle that.

However, looking at the installation instructions, I read this switch as a dimmer switch. Your ballasts are not dim-able. You would need dimming ballasts for this to work.

 

[mginster]

I originally did get 5 dimmer switches for this set but there is a standard switch that I plan on ordering, the AR-5ANS.

AuroRa Replacement Switch 120 V / 5 A AR-5ANS - from the link above.

 

[Oso954]

Sounds OK, if the switch is single ganged (only switch in box). The switch is derated by 1 amp if end-ganged, by 2amps if center ganged.

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