Lighted Breaker Switch, what is too much protection?

[PNA]

controlling a simple fluorescent light (max draw on startup is 0.9 amps), we have been using a 7 amp light breaker switch for eons, anyways the 7 amp version is back ordered, but we have 10 amp versions in stock

should i be looking at a 3 amp or can i look at it like house wiring, where i have a lamp with a 100 watt light bulb on a 15 amp breaker?

thanks for any help

 

[VEBill]

The rule we use is that the breaker protects the wiring, not the load device at the far end. So the wiring is chosen to accommodate the load, then the breaker is chosen to protect the wiring.

 

[waross]

What VE1BLL said. What size is your wiring?

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[davidbeach]

Where are you? What code governs? Never heard of a 7A breaker, and 10A are highly specialized. Generally breakers shouldn't be used for light switches anyway.

 

[PNA]

14 GA 19 STR WIRE
its an 7amp lighted rocker with built in breaker
csa is what we have to build to and every machine we build is inpected

what should be used instead? fusing?

and thankyou for everyones input!

 

[mcgyvr]

14 AWG wire is rated to 20 Amps (60 deg C) per NEC 310.16 without any derating applied for higher ambients,etc...
I typically size breakers at 125% of the max. load.

a 3 to 15A breaker should be just fine without knowing any other codes/derating conditions,etc... that might apply to your situation.

 

[PNA]

thankyou!

 

[MacGyverS2000]

14AWG is rated for 15A
12AWG for 20A


Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[itsmoked]

macgyvers2000 has the correct numbers.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[davidbeach]

Sounds like this is something going into a product, not into a facility. If CSA is anything like UL, you can't change anything without reevaluation. If you are listed with 7A then it shall be 7A forever and always, world without end; unless you go in for relisting.

 

[mcgyvr]

I didn't see the reference to 240.4(D) Correction 14AWG = 15A
Silly NEC. Go here, then here, then here, then here, then back... Just put 15A in table 310.16 and be done with it.