What is done when adding additional loads (such as lights) to a circuit?

When adding additional loads, such as lights, to a circuit, sizing the conductors to the load is crucial to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the electrical system. Conductors must be appropriately sized based on the amperage draw of the loads they will carry. If the conductors are too small for the increased load, it can lead to excessive heat buildup, which can cause insulation failure and potentially result in electrical fires. Therefore, selecting conductors with the correct gauge ensures that the circuit can handle the additional current without overheating, allowing it to function safely under the new load conditions.

Other considerations, though important in their contexts, do not specifically address the immediate requirement of sizing the conductors. For instance, increasing the switch rating may be necessary if the additional load exceeds the switch's current handling capability, but this does not directly affect the wires themselves. Similarly, circuit protection must be reviewed to ensure that it accommodates the increased load, yet this is more about safeguarding the entire circuit rather than directly addressing conductor sizing. Balancing the load is essential in multi-phase systems to ensure even distribution of current, but it is not directly related to adjusting conductor size for added loads. Therefore, sizing conductors properly is the fundamental action taken to manage increased loads in