Design Zip Cord Basics

[avkid]

 

[derekleffew]

I meant more

3 amps (6 60w lamps)

Do lamps have amps? They must--it's right there in the name. No gypsies or thieves though.

 

[avkid]

I meant more

Do lamps have amps? They must--it's right there in the name. No gypsies or thieves though.

Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves

 

[Hugtrain]

I meant more

Do lamps have amps? They must--it's right there in the name. No gypsies or thieves though.

The lights I'm using are LED not exceeding 10w. I expect to be using 3.5W lights, though. I am very confused

 

[FMEng]

The lights I'm using are LED not exceeding 10w. I expect to be using 3.5W lights, though. I am very confused

18 gauge zip cord would be fine. If the cable might be exposed to damage, like a lot of foot traffic or wheels, then use jacketed cable. Even if it were 180 Watts, I'd still use the zip cord. The loss of few volts really doesn't matter on some "practicals."

 

[TimMc]

Oh, it was my understanding that circuit breakers protected the wire from overheating and catching fire if there was too much draw on the line.

If that doesn't apply here, what wire would be safe to use? I was looking at 12/2 NM-B wire, is that appropriate?

Specifically, an overcurrent protection device (Code-speak for "breaker or fuse") exists in the switchboard (Code-speak for breaker or fuse box) to protect the Branch Circuit wiring and wiring devices between the overcurrent protection device and the outlet(s) or wiring box for a lighting fixture). The overcurrent protection device is not intended to protect the LOAD connected to the outlet or a lighting fixture/ceiling fan/etc. Loads that need lower-rated protection have that protection built into the device or assembly (like the little fuse in the holiday light strings, or a fuse or circuit breaker on appliance or device).

 

[Hugtrain]

Loads that need lower-rated protection have that protection built into the device or assembly (like the little fuse in the holiday light strings, or a fuse or circuit breaker on appliance or device).

So, in this instance, that load would be protected by the fuse on the dimmer pack, correct?

 

[FMEng]

So, in this instance, that load would be protected by the fuse on the dimmer pack, correct?

Yes.

 

[Hugtrain]

Yes.

I think I just figured out why some of our lights are out.

You can't put 4 575W source four Jrs on a 15 amp dimmer

Nevermind. They are 20 amp dimmers. Leviton DDS6000s

 

[RickR]

The breakers might still pop. Time for the 80% rule.

Most breakers and fuses are rated for short term use, officially under 3 hours. Heat can build up in a system over time and get you back into trouble. For continuous use the rating is 80% of of full. Add to that aging breakers will trip sooner and that you don't want an issue during a show. So it's a practicality and safety issue.

Many other technologies seem to work in the same way. Limit yourself to 80% and be cool and reliable.

 

[Malabaristo]

I think I just figured out why some of our lights are out.

You can't put 4 575W source four Jrs on a 15 amp dimmer

Nevermind. They are 20 amp dimmers. Leviton DDS6000s

The pack itself is rated for 20A, but what is it plugged into?

A standard breaker is only 80% rated for continuous loads, so a 2300W load (4*575) can eventually trip a 20A breaker. The amount of time that takes depends on tolerances of the breaker and ambient temperature. Breakers in larger dimmer racks are often 100% rated, so they can handle closer to their nominal rating without a time limit or temperature sensitivity.

 

[Hugtrain]

I will check the dimmers once I can get up there

 

[derekleffew]

If you told us the bulbs were LED the first time, I missed it. Much of the math goes out the window as the loads become negligible. However, one can't just throw x amount of any old LED bulb onto a dimmer marked "For tungsten loads only" and expect to get a smooth dimming curve from 100% to 0%. If you don't mind. tthe lights popping on at 10-20% and popping off the same, you may be okay. Sad to say, it's a matter of keeping your expectations low so you won't be disappointed.

 

[Hugtrain]

. Sad to say, it's a matter of keeping your expectations low so you won't be disappointed.

That's literally the job description

 

[almorton]

Can someone clarify what "zip cord" is for this Brit, please? To me, zip cord is what you whizz down on from a tree or building.

Edit: not to worry, found the wiki entry.