Light switch ampage

derrynoose | 09:22 Wed 24th Feb 2010 | How it Works

3 Answers

I hope to use a small inline on/off switch to replace a broken switch in the two-wire flex on a reading lamp. The lamp has 3 GU 10 50W bulbs. The instruction leaflet with the new switch states a maximum load of 2 amps. Can I use the switch for the light and, if so, what level of fuse should I use in the light plug? Thanks.

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buildersmate

Each 50W bulb takes about 0.2 amps. So that's 0.6 amps, which is fine.
The fuse in the plug of a table lamp should be 3 amps.

The way it is calculated is Watts = Volts x Amps
Since the mains voltage is 250 (or thereabouts), you can see how I worked out that each bulb of 50W uses 0.2 amps, since a 250W appliance uses 1.0 amps.

derrynoose

Question Author

Many thanks, buildersmate, for a clear and informative answer.

mjwman

Reading lamp with 3 x 50w? that is one hell of a searchlight!

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