---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 169.682"
title: "46"
number: "169.682"
heading: "Distribution and circuit loads."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/169.682"
---

# §169.682. Distribution and circuit loads.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, the connected load on a lighting branch circuit must not exceed 80 percent of the rating of the overcurrent protective device, computed using the greater of—
  - (1) The lamp sizes to be installed; or
  - (2) 50 watts per outlet.
- (b) Circuits supplying electrical discharge lamps must be computed using the ballast input current.
- (c) The branch circuit cables for motor and lighting loads must be no smaller than No. 14 AWG.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

### Source

Source: CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, unless otherwise noted.