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    joseph59's Avatar
    joseph59 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 12, 2009, 03:32 AM
    4 lights switch loop wiring
    I am wiring a room with 4 recessed cans. I have made sure that the circuit would not be overloaded and need help wiring it this way:
    Power >>> can 1 >>>can 2 >>>dimmer switch >>>can 3 >>>can 4.
    If this way of wiring is a potential hazard or code violation (US), please let me know.
    Thanks!
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 12, 2009, 04:45 AM
    It's not a hazard, it's just a real PIA way of wiring a set of lights. WHY do you need to do it this way?

    The only way to do it is with "3-wire" between all the lights. If you have to do it this way it will work.
    joseph59's Avatar
    joseph59 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 12, 2009, 06:14 AM
    I didn't think it was going to be a major pain to do it this way. Just trying to use less copper by using the power that's available close to the 1st can. I'll just run the extra 20 ft to the switch and call it a day.
    Thanks for your prompt answer!
    ohb0b's Avatar
    ohb0b Posts: 215, Reputation: 14
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    #4

    Apr 12, 2009, 10:39 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by joseph59 View Post
    I am wiring a room with 4 recessed cans. I have made sure that the circuit would not be overloaded and need help wiring it this way:
    power >>> can 1 >>>can 2 >>>dimmer switch >>>can 3 >>>can 4.
    If this way of wiring is a potential hazard or code violation (US), please let me know.
    Thanks!

    I assume you are using Type NM (Romex) as a wiring method. Install a 3 conductor cable between can s 1 and two.

    Can 1:

    1. Connect hot wire from power to black wire to can 2.
    2. Connect red wire from can 2 to the brass screw on the light fixture.
    3. Connect the white wires from the power and can 2 together, and pigtail them to the silver screw on the light fixture.

    Can 2:

    1. Connect the black wire from can 1 to the black wire going to the dimmer.
    2. Mark the white wire from the dimmer with a wrap of electrical tape, and connect it to the red wire. This is the "switch leg."
    3. Connect the black wire from can 3 to the "Switch leg." Pigtail this to the brass screw on the light fixture.
    4. Connect the white wires from can 1 and 3 together, and pigtail to the silver screw on the light fixture.

    Can 3:

    1. Connect the black wires from cans 2 and 4 together and pigtail them to the brass screw on the light fixture.
    2. Connect the white wires from cans 2 and 4 together and pigtail them to the silver screw on the light fixture.

    Can 4.

    Connect the black and white wires to the brass and silver screws on the light fixture.

    Remember to connect all the bare grounding wires together, and connect them to the ground terminals on the cans, and also to any metal boxes.
    joseph59's Avatar
    joseph59 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 14, 2009, 01:46 AM
    Thank you oHbOB, I was looking for that explanation.
    Tev's Avatar
    Tev Posts: 232, Reputation: 20
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    #6

    Apr 14, 2009, 03:25 PM

    One small change I would make.

    At can to the black wire from can 1 should connect to the white going to the switch. The black coming from the switch should connect to the red to can 1 and the black to can 3.

    This is to comply with 200.7(C)(2) of the NEC. Basically, white can be reidentified and supply the switch but is not permitted to be used as the return from the switch to the switched outlet.
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