temp lights / receptacles

Hey guys. Long time since I have posted. Anyhow, my 200A upgrade went very well - the inspector approved the work yesterday and thought the contractors did an excellent job.

I am just about finished with the drywall portion of my project, so once I am finished priming it, I plan on using the space temporarily as a workshop to build some built-in shelves for the room. I want to get those installed prior to final paint and carpet.

So, I assume I can finish (add switches & connect to breaker) one of my recessed lighting circuits and a couple of 20A outlet circuits for use during that period, right? Do I need to add the trims to the recessed cans, or can I just put in some temporary bulbs?

TIA

Tony

 

Go ahead and install your receptacles. I'm asuming you had the rough-in inspected before hanging the sheetrock. Just put a piece of painters tape over them before painting. If you're worried about little fingers getting into the boxes, put on your plates - just remove them before painting. If you did the wiring yourself, I assume you know how the circuitry is laid out. Just make sure that you don't have any exposed wires that would be a shock hazard. Same goes for your lighting. A 100 Watt standard bulb screwed into your cans won't hurt anything as a temporary measure. Don't mess with the trims until after painting.

 

Yep, rough-in passed fine.

No "little fingers" thankfully!

I figured I would be okay, just wanted an excuse to post - pretty bored!

 

Dont use bulbs that are larger than the can is rated for !!

 

tex, you are correct. That is the proper CYA response. If I was installing temporary bulbs in cans without trims in someone else's house, I would probably use 60 watt bulbs. In my own house, I would have no problem using a 75 or 100 watt bulb as a temporary measure. The can has a thermal protector that will cut the light off if it gets too hot, although I've never had that problem. More heat can be dissipated without the trim attached. I've pulled down many fixtures with brittle wiring caused by years of burning (2) 100 watt bulbs in a fixture designed for (2) 60 watt bulbs. I wouldn't worry so much about a 100 watt bulb installed in an open can for a month with the socket adjusted to keep the bulb at the opening but I guess I just like to live dangerously...

 

Yeah, they are small 4" cans, so I would just use 60s anyhow.