Hello Newb Here

[rodriguez24]

So if you are using a dimmer in a bathroom and you have 5 - 60watt bulbs pluged in over your mirror and all the bulbs are controlled by that one switch you would need atlead a 5 * 60watt = 300watt switch.

That info def. helps for the kitchen lights. Thanks!

 

[jlehnert]

WayneW

You are correct that halogens are only a problem if they are on a transformer. Just treat 120v halogens the same way you treat incadescent lights and add up the wattage.

 

[Squintz]

Also remember that houses are normally wired with 14-2. 14 being the gauge(size) and 2 being the number of conductors. Here is maryland the code states that the max. amp. breaker you can put on 14-2 wire is 15amps and on 12-2 ware you can put upto 20amps.

15amps @120v = 1800watts
20amps @ 120v = 2400watts

Ok, now lets say that you have a switch rated at 600watts and you decide to wire that to an electrical outlet. That electrical outlet is probably rated at 1800watts and your breaker is probably a 15amp breaker. So if you decide to plug a million things into your outlet exceeding the maximum wattage allowed by the switch you will burn the switch out before you blow the breaker.

HomeDepot sells some great do-it-yourself home wiring books if you want to learn more of the baiscs.

Here are a few formulas to help you keep all this straight.

I = current(amps)
E = Voltage(volts)
R = Resistance(ohms)
P = power(watts)

I * R = E
E * I = P

So if you want to figure out how many watts your device will draw look at the lable on the back and it will probably say a certain number of amps. Multiply that by the number of volts(120) and you know how much power the device will use.

If you are not sure feel free to ask us.

 

[JohnBullard]

uh, shouldn't that 20 amp at 120v example be 2,400 watts using your formula E*I=P ?

 

[Joe W]

And don't forget good Home Automation software - like Homeseer. I think you'll find that most of us here use Homeseer as our primary software for doing all the cool things you're going to learn about. There are some others but Homeseer is by far the best for the money. They have a great forum also.

Oh, and welcome!

Joe