Hello,
I'm ready to install the outlets and lights for my basement. I'm using 6" can lights that are rated at 75 watts. I have 32 lights in all. Can I run 2 15 amp circuits to supply all these lights? or do I need to run 20 amp?
Thanks!

 

A quick run through my brain says two 15s with nothing else on them works. Let one of the real electricians rather that an EE tell you for sure.

 

Two 15-amp circuits is fine, as long as there's nothing else on the circuits as jlbos says.

 

Nothing wrong with an EE (I hope).
So, technically (2) 15 A breakers could handle up to (38) 75 watt bulbs (lamps), if nothing else on them. Practically, most folks limit thier runs to 10-12 fixtures/outlets per circuit for future use and ease of debugging problems.

 

No, nothing wrong with an EE, but it is one thing to know the theory, and another to know the practical application. I have no doubt that I can wire safely, but I do need to check with you guys to make sure that it also follows the code, as well as practical issues for the next person that tries to work on it. I like figuring out the wierd stuff like that the dishwasher/disposal in series last week, and stupid 3-way tricks. Good brain exercise!

 

Thank you for your response!

Now I have a tricky question (maybe not to you professionals).
I have a bathroom that has 2 lights, and 2 switches (one at each door) Can I run 3 wire between the switches and the lights to make each switch turn the lights on/off? or will I have to run 4 wire between the lights and 3 wire from each switch to the lights?
What is the easiest way?
Thanks again!

 

There are a number of ways to do this. However, the one way most people try will not work. That is, it will not work to run a 3-wire cable from switch to light to light to switch.

Here are some choices that will work. All of these assume that the power feed comes to one of the switches (you didn't say where the power comes from):[list=1][*]Run four insulated conductors between the lights, and three insulated conductors from each switch to one of the lights.[*]Run three insulated conductors from each switch to the same light, and then run two insulated conductors between the lights.[*]Run three insulated conductors between the switches, and then run two insulated conductors from either switch box to one light, and two insulated conductors between lights.[/list=1]If you don't like any of these, we can find more. But tell us where the power comes from and goes first.