Recessed lights cause breaker to trip
#1
04-10-13, 11:35 AM
Recessed lights cause breaker to trip
I recently installed 6 recessed lights and 1 3 bulb track light. I flip the switch to turn them on and the breaker trips. I turn the breaker back on and my outlets work fine. What is the issue?
#2
04-10-13, 11:46 AM
Group Moderator
I'm assuming that you also turned the light switch for the new lights off? In that case I'd say something with the new lights is wired incorrectly and shorting out.
Another possibility is that you are overloading the circuit. It sounds like you installed these 7 fixtures on an existing circuit. I think code allows a maximum of 10 devices per circuit. Depending on what else is on that circuit and wattage of the bulbs it could simply be too much and it's overloading the circuit and tripping the breaker.
Another possibility is that you are overloading the circuit. It sounds like you installed these 7 fixtures on an existing circuit. I think code allows a maximum of 10 devices per circuit. Depending on what else is on that circuit and wattage of the bulbs it could simply be too much and it's overloading the circuit and tripping the breaker.
#3
04-10-13, 03:46 PM
Yeah, I turned the switch off... I've checked these lights 3 times now and have checked where I tied into the power and the same thing... Just getting a little irritated
#4
04-10-13, 04:10 PM
By "outlets" I assume you mean receptacles not lights (both receptacles and lights are outlets).
- Did you take power for the lights from one of the receptacles you mention?
- If so describe in detail that connection.
- From the receptacle did you run power to one of the lights first or the switch.
- Describe your connections in detail at the lights and switch.
