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[slr]

I'm trying to decide what size underground wire I need to power some lights and cameras. I'm surprised I don't see a installation 101 catagory here in the forums.
I'm installing a x10 camera and motion sensor with 2 floodlights combo and cant find any info on the camera or in the book regarding amps requiremtents.
Anybody else cross this?

[Brian H]

The requirements may depend on what the current the cameras draw, flood lights current draw and a safety margin.
Why not a standard 15 amp branch circuit with proper protection like a GFCI or Arc Fault Breaker? Using weather rated electrical boxes and outlets.

Which X10 cameras are you thinking about?
Some of the camera specification sheets may give you some information. Even if it is in watts and the current has to be calculated.

[Tuicemen]

Many specs and install instructions can be found on the X10 wiki
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_Page
 

[slr]

starting out with a 15 amp wire is no good if I buy 15 amp wire for any length and it is not enough to run 2 flood lights and the camera then I'll have to buy more wire of a different amp which is a no can do.
These are different wire sizes.  http://wesbellwireandcable.com/UFB.html
These are the prices at a cheapo shop http://www.homedepot.com/b/N-5yc1v/Ntk-All/Ntt-uf-b?NCNI-5

The VT38a floodcam http://www.homedepot.com/b/N-5yc1v/Ntk-All/Ntt-uf-b?NCNI-5
I'm hoping I can buy the 250 ft roll of 15 amp 14/2 wire for 68 dollars.
but, If I need 30 amp that 250 foot roll is 170.00 dollars or say 20 amp wire at 108 dollars.

I don't find any reference concerning amp draw on x10 site nor in the book or on the  vt38a floodcam.
 

[HA Dave]

I'm trying to decide what size underground wire I need to power some lights and cameras....

Cameras use so little power... rarely more than 10 watts (each)... they are hardly a drain at all. But with lights the sky can be the limit... or you can use newer LED lighting that also has a low power draw (compared to the old bulbs). For my outside line I used underground 12-2 with a ground. So I can always plug-in my hedge trimmer or whatever.

If you aren't experienced with wiring... of course... you should call an electrician that can wire your project to code.

P.S. The VT38A Floodcam you mention requirements (restrictions) are listed here.  

[slr]

Power = Voltage x Current (Ohm's Law)
or
Current = Power / Voltage
Current = 100 Watts / 120 Volts (nominal US standard)
Current = 0.83 Amps

so I guess if I figure (2) 100 watt bulbs 1 amp for each and a generous 1 amp for the camera then a 15 amp line would still leave me with an outlet for anything up to about 12 amps at the bottom of the pole.

Then all I need to consider is if my wire has a ground wire too.

Thanks for all the input.