I want to add two outdoor ceiling fans on the porch and was intending to put them on an existing 20 amp circuit. Other users on this circuit are four indoor and two outdoor duplex receptacles and two outdoor lights (Use 100 W bulbs in each). Power is 115/1/60.

How do I determine the remaining capacity available on the circuit for the fans? I want to know it this way before I make a fan selection.

[This message was edited by Cooter on 06-12-02 at 11:45 PM.]

Cooter: Your two 100w bulbs will draw less than 2 amps. This will leave 18+ amps to supply the ceiling fans, which, depending upon their design, should be more than enough. Now, obviously, you don't want this circuit to operating with a near maximum load, then have someone plug something into one of your outlets and be cast into darkness. You don't say what kind of current the fans will draw, but I suspect it will be in the 3-4 amp range for each fan. Most electric motors, especially newer ceiling fans, are pretty efficient. So, from your description it sounds that the circuit as it exists will be sufficient to supply the items that you are going to put on it, with some room for the temporary use of the duplex outlets.