The wattage of your floor lamp determines how much power it consumes. The amount of electricity used per hour is measured in Amps (Amp stands for ampere). There are three different ways to find out how many amps a light bulb uses, but the most basic formula is to divide the number of watts by your electrical system’s voltage. For example, if you have a 60-watt bulb in a 120-volt system, it will pull 5 Amps.
The type of light bulb you use is also a significant factor in how many amps your floor lamp uses. A traditional incandescent light bulb typically draws between 30W – 60W. It’s recommended to go with the lowest wattage possible as this will reduce your energy consumption and reduce your power bill. Alternatively, you can use LED bulbs for your floor lamps which draw significantly less power, reducing the Amps by up to 80%.
If you are planning to install a new lighting fixture, or even replace the existing one, it’s important to know what the current amperage is. This will help to ensure the wire run is properly sized and that it can handle the amount of electricity needed safely. You can easily determine the amperage of a circuit by finding it on the breaker panel or circuit box. A number should be printed on the switch for that specific circuit indicating its maximum Amps rating.
Another way to determine the Amps a light fixture pulls is by using a multimeter. This is a safe and easy method, although it’s important to be cautious when measuring live circuits as incorrectly positioning the multimeter probe can cause an electric shock. Ensure the multimeter is set to measure DC current and not AC current and follow all safety precautions when using it.
To determine the Amps a light fixture draws, locate the breaker panel and look for the breaker for the light fixture you are working on. The breaker should be marked with its Amps rating on the panel or on the switch itself. You can also use a multimeter to read the Amps on the breaker, but make sure it’s set to DC current and not AC current.
You can also verify the amperage of a circuit by looking at the breaker label on the breaker panel or in the circuit box. Each breaker should have a rating on it for its maximum Amps.
If the breaker is not rated at its max Amps, then it’s important to upgrade it or use an alternative power source such as solar to avoid any potential fires and/or electrical damage. It is a good idea to have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) installed on the circuit so that any unsafe condition can be detected and prevented. This will protect you and your family from any accidents caused by shorts in the wiring. This will not only save you money, but can potentially save your life.