I will be replacing a light fixture that had a switch built in and was operated independently from any wall switch. Rather than limit myself to the very few light fixture options with switches built in, I am buying a standard light fixture and installing a switch with a pull chain in the base. I've already researched how to add a switch into the circuit of a light fixture and it's an extremely simple job.
However, I am a little stuck when it comes to choosing a switch.The ampacity of my circuit is 15 amps. Yet the switch I have (originally intended for a ceiling fan) says it can handle either 3 amps at 250v or 6 amps at 125v. This is the US, so I assume it will be closer to 125v.
The old light fixture is marked with 120VAC, 60Hz, 18W, 0.35Amps. It was a miniature fluorescent fixture with one tube.
The new light fixture isn't marked as clearly, but it is made for two 75W incandescent bulbs (I'll be using LED bulbs) and the bulb sockets are marked with 250V and 660W. It doesn't say the amperage.
Is it safe to assume that the switch from the old fixture would work just as well on the new fixture, and the switch for the ceiling fan, too? What amperage should the switch be rated for?
Edit: I forgot to add that the switch from the old fixture also says 3 amps at 250v or 6 amps at 125 v.
Best Answer
It is safe.
If you use 2x75w incandescent bulbs, the current would be 2*75W/120V=1.25A, which is way below 6A. If you use LED bulbs the current will be much smaller than 1.25A.