How Many Amps Does An 8ft LED Shop Light Draw?

When considering the installation of 8ft LED shop lights, it's essential to understand their electrical requirements, particularly how many amps they draw. Knowing this information helps in planning electrical circuits and ensuring safety. This article explores the amperage draw of 8ft LED shop lights, factors affecting it, and compares it with traditional lighting options.

Understanding Amperage

Amperage, or current, is the measure of the flow of electric charge. It's crucial to know how many amps a light draws to avoid overloading circuits and to ensure that the electrical system can handle the total load. The formula to determine amperage is:​

Amps=Watts/Volts

For example, if you know the wattage of an 8ft LED shop light and the voltage of the power source, you can calculate the amperage.

Amperage Draw of 8ft LED Shop Lights

1. Typical Wattage and Voltage:

8ft LED shop lights generally range from 72 to 120 watts, depending on their brightness and design. In most residential and commercial settings, these lights operate on standard 120-volt circuits.

2. Calculating Amps:

Using the formula, let's calculate the amperage for an 8ft LED shop light with a wattage of 100 watts on a 120-volt circuit:

Amps=100 Watts/120 Volts=0.83 Amps

Therefore, a 100-watt 8ft LED shop light draws approximately 0.83 amps.

 3. Comparison with Traditional Lighting:

Traditional fluorescent shop lights of the same length typically use more power, around 200 to 400 watts. A 300-watt fluorescent light on a 120-volt circuit draws:

Amps=300 Watts/ 120 Volts=2.5 Amps

This shows that 8ft LED shop lights draw significantly fewer amps compared to their fluorescent counterparts.

Factors Affecting Amperage

1. Wattage Variations:

Different models and brands of 8ft LED shop lights may have varying wattages, affecting the amperage draw. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for accurate wattage information.

2. Voltage Differences:

While most residential and commercial circuits are 120 volts, some industrial settings use 240 volts. The voltage of the power supply influences the amperage calculation. For instance, on a 240-volt circuit, a 100-watt LED light would draw:

Amps=100 Watts/ 240 Volts=0.42 Amps

3. Power Factor:

LEDs generally have a high power factor, close to 1, meaning they use electricity efficiently. However, it's still a factor that can slightly affect the amperage draw.

Practical Implications

1. Circuit Planning:

Understanding the amperage draw of your 8ft LED shop lights helps in planning the electrical circuits. For example, if you have a 20-amp circuit, you could theoretically run up to 24 lights at 0.83 amps each (20 amps / 0.83 amps per light). However, it's essential to leave some margin to prevent circuit overloads.

The lower amperage draw of 8ft LED shop lights compared to traditional lighting options highlights their energy efficiency. Less current means reduced energy consumption, leading to lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

3. Safety Considerations:

Overloading circuits can cause overheating and potentially lead to electrical fires. Knowing the amperage draw of your 8ft LED shop lights ensures you can safely distribute the load across circuits, maintaining a safe electrical system.

4. Installation and Upgrades:

If you're upgrading from fluorescent to LED shop lights, the reduced amperage draw might allow you to add more lights on the same circuit without needing additional wiring or circuit breakers.

Benefits of Low Amperage Draw

1. Cost Savings:

Lower amperage draw means less power consumption, translating to cost savings on electricity bills over time. This is particularly beneficial for large commercial spaces with numerous lights.

2. Reduced Heat Output:

LEDs are more efficient and produce less heat than traditional bulbs. This lower heat output can reduce the load on air conditioning systems, further saving on energy costs.

3. Longevity and Maintenance:

LEDs typically have a longer lifespan than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements. Their low amperage draw contributes to their longevity by minimizing stress on the electrical components.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 8ft LED shop lights are highly energy-efficient, drawing significantly fewer amps than traditional fluorescent lights. Understanding their amperage draw is crucial for planning safe and effective electrical circuits. With typical amperage around 0.83 amps for a 100-watt light on a 120-volt circuit, these lights offer substantial benefits in terms of energy savings, cost efficiency, and safety. Whether for a residential garage or a large commercial workshop, 8ft LED shop lights provide a reliable and economical lighting solution.