How many lights can you put on 12 gage wire?

The number of lights you can safely put on 12-gauge wire depends on the total wattage of the lights and the circuit's amperage capacity. A typical 12-gauge wire can handle up to 20 amps, which translates to about 2400 watts on a 120-volt circuit. If each light uses, for example, 60 watts, you could theoretically connect up to 40 lights, but it’s essential to consider the total load and local electrical codes to ensure safety and avoid overloading the circuit.