I want to replace a chandelier that currently has 2 bulbs, and I want to replace it with one that has at least 5 bulbs if possible. We live in an older building (built in 1912), and a friend warned me about doing this.
What do I have to watch out for? How many bulbs can a new chandelier and the current wiring support?
Best Answer
It's not the total number of bulbs you need to worry about but the total load caused by all the bulbs in the chandelier.
If you have 2 60W bulbs (for example) and a 240V power supply, then the current will be:
So you could use a 5 bulb chandelier and fit 24W bulbs (assuming they exist) and draw the same current. To find the maximum size bulb you can use, you need to know the current of the circuit. Light circuits (in the UK) are typically 10A, so you could theoretically fit a single 2400W bulb or 5 * 480W bulbs if this were the only light fitting in the circuit.
However, a) these would be incredibly bright and b) there are other lights on the circuit you need to take into account.
A 5 bulb chandelier shouldn't be a problem as long as you fit smaller power bulbs.