Wiring recessed cans - box questions
#1
02-25-17, 02:39 PM
Wiring recessed cans - box questions
Hi,
Working out circuits for my basement recessed lights. I want to use an existing 14-2 feed cable from an old repurposed 15A light circuit, however, it won't make it to my switch box. My plan is to bring power to the first can, then use 14-3 to daisy chain the remaining cans to the switch J box to control the lights. Anything wrong or against code doing that?
The other question is capacity of the J boxes on the cans. I will have 6 14 gauge conductors + ground and fixture leads in most boxes, and 8 + ground and fixture leads in one. I don't know if that's too many for the J boxes. Any thoughts?
Thanks guys.
Working out circuits for my basement recessed lights. I want to use an existing 14-2 feed cable from an old repurposed 15A light circuit, however, it won't make it to my switch box. My plan is to bring power to the first can, then use 14-3 to daisy chain the remaining cans to the switch J box to control the lights. Anything wrong or against code doing that?
The other question is capacity of the J boxes on the cans. I will have 6 14 gauge conductors + ground and fixture leads in most boxes, and 8 + ground and fixture leads in one. I don't know if that's too many for the J boxes. Any thoughts?
Thanks guys.
#2
02-25-17, 02:56 PM
Group Moderator
At least you are using #14 wire. Very sensible.
Two 14-3's in box are ok. Two 14-3's and a 14-2 is about at max.
Yes.....your plan is to code as you're bringing a neutral to the switch location.
Two 14-3's in box are ok. Two 14-3's and a 14-2 is about at max.
Yes.....your plan is to code as you're bringing a neutral to the switch location.
#4
02-25-17, 04:54 PM
Group Moderator
He's bringing the power in at the first can and apparently the switch is near the last one so he's carrying live, switched and neutral thru all the cans.
#6
02-27-17, 10:15 AM
One different but related question:
When I was first planning these lighting circuits a few years ago, I wasn't expecting to use LED's, so for 25 recessed fixtures, I planned two circuits. Now it seems with LED's at maybe 15W each, for a total wattage of less than 400, I only need one light circuit (nothing else on it).
Am I missing something here or have LED's thrown the old lighting load calculations out the window?
When I was first planning these lighting circuits a few years ago, I wasn't expecting to use LED's, so for 25 recessed fixtures, I planned two circuits. Now it seems with LED's at maybe 15W each, for a total wattage of less than 400, I only need one light circuit (nothing else on it).
Am I missing something here or have LED's thrown the old lighting load calculations out the window?
#7
02-27-17, 10:51 AM
Member
If you are sure you will be using LEDs then you can use a single 15 amp circuit. The calculations are still the same, just the wattage per fixture is way less.
If you are planning to use a dimmer, be aware that some LED dimmers are only rated for 150 watts. Make sure you get a 600 watt version if they are all on one.
If you are planning to use a dimmer, be aware that some LED dimmers are only rated for 150 watts. Make sure you get a 600 watt version if they are all on one.
#8
02-27-17, 12:14 PM
Thanks for the dimmer info CarbideTipped - I didn't know that.
6 switches for sub circuits, but one feed circuit (supply). LED's only now, it just amazes me how the wattage calculation changes.
6 switches for sub circuits, but one feed circuit (supply). LED's only now, it just amazes me how the wattage calculation changes.
#9
02-27-17, 06:21 PM
Group Moderator
Am I missing something here or have LED's thrown the old lighting load calculations out the window?
I allow 65w per can as that is the maximum size incandescent bulb that can be installed.
I use this figure because it's not known whether standard or LED's will be used.
