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[melvin]

I am thinking of installing 10x50w mains halogen downlights in a bedroom.

My house has only one lighting circuit. There are 11 light fitments connected to this circuit. Some with multi halogen bulbs, others with multi 60w golf ball bulbs.

Am I in danger of overloading this circuit? What problems if any will it cause?

[sparx]

Hi melvin, yes you are but to be sure add total watts of all fittings ,
divide number by 230 to find total Amps you could draw if all on together.
if on mcb then it will trip after a while if over its rating, if on rewirable fuse it will get very hot, then eventually melt.
1.0mm cable rated for 11A in best circumstances [less if in insulation]
1.5mm " " 15A " " " " "
regards SPARX

[melvin]

Thanks for the swift reply.

My total watts including the new Halogen lights comes to 1734w Which gives me a total of 7.5 amps. Well within the amp rating of the cable.

As my lighting MCB is the normal 6amp. Will I need to upgrade this to a 10amp?

[sparx]

hi melvin ,
Probably not as it's unlikely [unless u got teenage kids] u will have all lights on together! If u find mcb trips occasionally then uprate to 10A.
I had this situation & decided to not uprate, everyone soon learnt to turn off lights not needed!!!!
Ignore anguished cries of 'turn off the lights' from around the house.
Regards SPARX