Canadian Electrical Code Question....

[batMan339]

I have a question about 8-304...

8-304 Maximum number of outlets per circuit
(1) There shall be not more than 12 outlets on any 2-wire branch circuit, except as permitted by other Rules
of this Code.
(2) Such outlets shall be considered to be rated at not less than 1 A per outlet, except as permitted by
Subrule (3).
(3) Where the connected load is known, the number of outlets shall be permitted to exceed 12, provided that
the load current does not exceed 80% of the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit.
(4) Where fixed multi-outlet assemblies are used, each 1.5 m or fraction thereof of each separate and
continuous length shall be counted as one outlet, but in locations where a number of electrical appliances
are likely to be used simultaneously, each 300 mm or fraction thereof shall be counted as one outlet.

I am installing LED fixtures into a room in my house. They are recessed and sealed, so they can not have higher output bulbs put in them. (Trenz TL4W)
The total wattage draw on these lights will be 86W total for the 8 lights.
Also, in the room, are 7 120V receptacles. That brings the number of "outlets" up to 15 on the 15AMP circuit.

Now, am I interpreting Rule 3 correctly? The definition of connected load is the sum of all the loads connected in the circuit irrespective of the fact that whether it is being currently operated or not.
Therefore, my thinking is;

120V x 15A = 1800W @ 80% = 1440W or 12 A
Rule 2 says my receptacles are classed at 1 A each, so 7 A or 840W for the receptacles.
840 W receptacles + 86W lighting = 926 W. Leaving me with 514 W or 4 A left on the circuit....

Is this correct, in that, in this example, I will be permitted to have 15 outlets on the one circuit?

Thanks!

 

[klassenl]

What is your specific concern. Is it overloading or is it the inspector. As for overloading you will be fine. As for the inspector; my inspector wouldn't fail me on this. He would make sure that the receptacles are on an AFCI protected circuit which then begs the question - will your LEDs play well with the arc fault protection.

 

[batMan339]

What is your specific concern. Is it overloading or is it the inspector. As for overloading you will be fine. As for the inspector; my inspector wouldn't fail me on this. He would make sure that the receptacles are on an AFCI protected circuit which then begs the question - will your LEDs play well with the arc fault protection.

Inspector, I've been trying to get a hold of him but hes a busy fella. Just want to make sure that this logic makes sense...

They work fine with the breakers in my house, but they are not AFCI.

 

[batMan339]

Got a hold of the inspector. All good. He said its fine. Thanks for the reply.

 

[ripperd]

I doubt a light fixture is considered an "outlet" anyway? Unless you have an outlet you are adding that the fixture plugs into?

 

[RPH]

Quick follow up question. If you pop the circuit breaker from a plugged in device, are you going to be in the dark at that moment? It’s just a good practice to make sure the lights stay on. It’s not unreasonable to have the lights themselves on different circuits for this reason.

 

[batMan339]

I doubt a light fixture is considered an "outlet" anyway? Unless you have an outlet you are adding that the fixture plugs into?

As per the CEC, lights are counted.

"Outlet — a point in the wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment."

"Utilization equipment — equipment that utilizes electrical energy for mechanical, chemical, heating, lighting, or similar useful purposes."

Quick follow up question. If you pop the circuit breaker from a plugged in device, are you going to be in the dark at that moment? It’s just a good practice to make sure the lights stay on. It’s not unreasonable to have the lights themselves on different circuits for this reason.

I wish it was, but sadly, the plugs and lights are on the same breaker for that wing of the house. Its a 4 level split house, so the wiring was done a bit interesting. Ill be changing some of the wiring when I re-finish the basement.