Best way to wire 4 seperate lights to 4-gang switch box
#1
07-07-14, 08:04 AM
Best way to wire 4 seperate lights to 4-gang switch box
I am in the middle of a full remodel of a couple rooms in my 1921 home. Right now trying to finish the rough in electrical for inspection. I have been searching all over the internet for this type of situation, but haven't found any examples of 4-gang switch box to 4 separate lights.
My first thoughts were to power the switches first with pigtails and then run separate wire to reach light. But the issue is with the grounds. There would be too many to wire nut (10) and with 12-2 wire this would surely be a disaster. My other option is to run power to the lights first and then run separate 12-2 from each light to the switches? Is this okay to do?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Brian
My first thoughts were to power the switches first with pigtails and then run separate wire to reach light. But the issue is with the grounds. There would be too many to wire nut (10) and with 12-2 wire this would surely be a disaster. My other option is to run power to the lights first and then run separate 12-2 from each light to the switches? Is this okay to do?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Brian
#2
07-07-14, 08:43 AM
Member
My other option is to run power to the lights first and then run separate 12-2 from each light to the switches? Is this okay to do?
Is the 4-gang box plastic or metal?
#3
07-07-14, 09:10 AM
The box is plastic so would not require a ground, but the switches would. I believe our city has adopted 2012 code,but I'm not positive on that. So since all 4 lights are on the same circuit I need a neutral into the switch box? Where does the neutral connect to? I thought I could just run the neutral "hot" to all four switches.
#5
07-07-14, 09:36 AM
The box is plastic so would not require a ground
My first thoughts were to power the switches first with pigtails and then run separate wire to reach light. But the issue is with the grounds. There would be too many to wire nut (10) and with 12-2 wire this would surely be a disaster.
#6
07-07-14, 09:52 AM
Sorry, I know I need the grounds but I meant the box did not need a ground attached. I am using 20 amp circuit because I want all lights on one circuit. My issue with the grounding wires is that I don't believe there is a big enough wire nut for 9 or 10 grounds??
#7
07-07-14, 11:31 AM
So if I used 15 amp breaker instead to run 14-2 that would make it easier at the switch box. Then run power to switch box. What is the best way then to connect the 10 grounds in the box( 4 from lights, 4 pigtails to each switch and the incoming/ outgoing power. Is it permitted to just make one long pigtail and "rabbit ear" it to all 4 switches?
#10
07-07-14, 04:29 PM
You can do to groups of grounds in two wire nuts connected by a jumper if necessary. You could also use one green ground wire nut with a hole in the end for one wire to come out then run that wire to the second wire nut. Or just use a split bolt connector.
Last edited by ray2047; 07-07-14 at 05:38 PM.
#12
07-08-14, 07:57 AM
Do you mean put the pigtails in a separate wire nut using wire from a green wire nut as source? Yes. While I don't like doing it you could use one continuous ground wire between the switches simply looping it around each screw. That gives you only 6 grounds in a in a wire nut.
The ground from the panel.
The 4 grounds out.
The single wire looping around each switch ground.
The ground from the panel.
The 4 grounds out.
The single wire looping around each switch ground.
