STRANGELY, the only way to control our sanctuary’s overhead lighting (the 20 pendant lamps) is with a circuit breaker. There’s no ordinary light switch for this purpose.
Below the jump, this post explores the significance of this arrangement. Is it prudent?…
The results of a cursory Web search suggest that in general, circuit breakers are not meant to be used as regular ON/OFF switches. For example, from the website of an electrical engineering and power-equipment manufacturer:
Using a circuit breaker as an on-off switch may undermine the safety of the electrical system. Circuit breakers are not designed to be operated as frequently as on-off switches. Frequent operation may lead to the wearing out of the breaker’s components, compromising its ability to protect the electrical system.
In this case, however, that safety concern does not seem to apply. There are only light bulbs on the circuit. (Either compact fluorescent or LEDs.) No ballast from fluorescent bulbs. No motors. And the dedicated circuit is overhead and out of reach. Therefore, protecting against a potential overload or fault (short circuit) does not really seem germane.
By the way, there are special circuit breakers (type SWD or HID) that building codes specify to be used as a switch, for fluorescent lighting circuits. But we don’t have that kind of load—nor that kind of breaker.
Upon taking a closer look at this breaker, it does seem to be excessive for its current usage, in two ways. First, it is rated for 50 amps. The present load from lighting is surely less than half of that. (Back-of-the-envelope calculation: 20 lamps @ 100 watts per lamp = less than 17 amps total.)
Second, this breaker sports a label with tiny print that says that it is of the HACR type. That abbreviation stands for “Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigerator.” I.e., this breaker has some protective features that are not needed for a lighting circuit.
Action needed?
No, not really.
That being said, this breaker will obviously wear out more quickly by its being switched off/on regularly. Ultimately it will cost more to replace the breaker than a basic light switch, which would last practically forever. But is that fact worth paying an electrician to install a dedicated ON/OFF snap switch? Probably not.
However, it might be worthwhile to install a wireless remote-control set-up. That could enable the lights to be switched on/off from several locations: the bimah, both exit corridors, and the back of the sanctuary.
(While we are dreaming, perhaps we could add dimming capability, and/or the ability to control the lights in the back section of the sanctuary separately from the main portion of the room.)
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