How can Developers Save Money by Right Sizing the Wires?
The use of 2.5sqmm wires per circuit has been a long-standing practice since the tungsten era. Back then, it made sense to use such thick wires, given the high-power consumption of tungsten bulbs. However, times have changed, and technology has evolved at an astonishing pace. We are now in the era of LED lights, which have revolutionized the way we illuminate our spaces. Yet, surprisingly, we still find ourselves using 2.5sqmm wires for LED lights. This raises the question: Is this a deliberate attempt by manufacturers, contractors, or distributors to deceive us? Why do we continue to use wires that exceed the required capacity by such a significant margin?
You don’t want wires so thin that they can’t handle the load, but you also don’t need to go overboard with excessively thick wires which drains your budget.
In the past, tungsten bulbs were the dominant lighting option, and their power consumption was significantly higher compared to modern LED lights. To accommodate the high LPD (light power density) of tungsten bulbs, the industry established the norm of using 2.5sqmm wires per circuit, assuming an average load of 800 watts.
Who needs big wires for mere lighting, right? It’s not like we’re powering a spaceship!
As technology advanced, tungsten bulbs were replaced by more efficient LED lights. The lumens per watt ratio of LED lights far surpassed that of tungsten bulbs, reaching up to 150 lumens per watt. This dramatic improvement in efficiency meant that the lighting load per circuit was reduced significantly. In fact, the average load for LED lights rarely exceeds 200 to 300 watts per circuit. Now, this leaves us questioning why we continue to use 2.5sqmm wires when LED lights do not require anywhere near 800 watts. This discrepancy may be driven by factors other than technical necessity. Manufacturers and distributors often claim that using wires smaller than 2.5sqmm will lead to wire burnout. However, this assertion lacks scientific evidence or any basis in reality.
It is time to debunk the myth that LED lights necessitate 2.5sqmm wires. Instead of adhering to outdated standards set in the tungsten era, it is crucial to embrace the appropriate wire sizes for LED lighting. In most cases, 1 to 1.5sqmm wire is more than sufficient to manage the significantly reduced load of LED lights. Remember, selecting the right wire size is crucial for a well-functioning electrical system, even when it comes to something as seemingly mundane as lighting. By considering factors such as load capacity, length, and voltage drop, you can ensure that your lighting setup shines bright and steady.
It is time to challenge the status quo, question outdated practices, and move forward with knowledge and innovation. Let’s embrace the accurate wire sizes for LED lighting, optimizing our spaces without compromising on quality or safety.
