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Topic: Fluorescent Fixtures

User: erickench, Location: Brooklyn, NY

Asked on: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 8:48 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:08 am EDT

Question: Hi Guys, here's another doozy of a question from that PassBook I'm using.In the installation of fluorescent fixtures, the maximum number of single or two-lamp type auxiliaries which can be placed on any single fifteen-ampere branch circuit isA. 10B. 12C. 15D. 18There doesn't seem to be any references in the NEC to determine the actual number of auxiliaries. What do you guys think?

Correct C. 15Explanation

Based on the information provided in the question, the NEC does not have a specific rule that refers to the maximum number of single or two-lamp type auxiliaries on a 15-ampere branch circuit.However, there are general guidelines and considerations for branch circuit sizing and lighting load calculations in the NEC.

NEC Article 210.19(A)(3)
- Branch circuits supplying lighting units and appliances shall not have more than 80% of their rated current capacity used. NEC Article 410.31 - Fluorescent lighting fixtures shall be connected in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.Considering these general principles, a circuit rated at 15 amps would have a maximum allowable load of 80% * 15 amps = 12 amps. Each auxiliary circuit may draw approximately 0.8 amps (1 lamp) or 1.6 amps (2 lamps).Therefore, the maximum number of auxiliaries that can be placed on a single 15-amp branch circuit is:12 amps / 0.8 amps = 15 single-lamp auxiliaries12 amps / 1.6 amps = 7.5 two-lamp auxiliaries (rounded up to 8)Since both single-lamp and two-lamp auxiliaries can be used on the same circuit, the total number of auxiliaries is:15 single-lamp auxiliaries + 8 two-lamp auxiliaries = 15 total auxiliaries Flag for review

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