What kind of circuit is typically used for residential lighting?

In residential lighting applications, the typical circuit used is a 15 or 20-amp branch circuit. This standard is designed to handle the power requirements of common household lighting fixtures and devices. A 15-amp circuit is often used for general illumination and outlets, while a 20-amp circuit can provide additional capacity to support more demanding lighting setups or multiple fixtures on a single circuit.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) and other wiring standards dictate these amperages to ensure safety and efficiency. A 10-amp circuit is generally not sufficient for typical residential lighting loads and would limit the number of fixtures or types of bulbs that could be used safely. Higher amperage circuits, such as 30-amp or 50-amp circuits, are usually reserved for heavy appliances like dryers, stoves, or air conditioning units, and are not suitable for standard lighting applications due to their capacity exceeding what is necessary for general lighting, which could also reduce the overall safety of the system.