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View Full Version : Tripping 15 amp breaker


hornsfan
Jan 26, 2009, 08:49 PM
Hello
I have currently replaced my kitchens existing "Flourescent Tube Lights" (like the ones you find in a utility room, the long tube bulbs) with 4 reccessed lights (70 watt bulbs each)

I disconnected the tube lights and used the existing wire to connect to the 1st reccessed light, then wired the next 3 in series (using 12/2). Now with my original tube lights there were 2 switches that I could turn on or off the lights on either end of the kitchen.

These 4 recessed lights (70 w each), the garage light (65 watts), an outlet that my garage door opener is plugged into and two small exterior sconce lights (65 watts each) are all on a 15 amp breaker. The first time I tried to turn the newly installed 4 reccess lights on, the breaker kicks. I don't think this is too much of a load... any other ideas why thi smight be happening?

ballengerb1
Jan 26, 2009, 08:59 PM
Unscrew all the bulbs, bet the breaker still trips. Come back with your results. I thinks its possible you miswired somewhere.

stanfortyman
Jan 26, 2009, 09:00 PM
If it trips when you turn on the switch you wired something wrong. An overload would have a bit of a delay in tripping.

Besides, all that will not trip a 15A breaker.

Why did you use 12/2? What was the existing wire?

hornsfan
Jan 27, 2009, 07:00 PM
Hey guys thanks for the response. Turns out one of the recessed lights was "defective" Not sure exactly what the problem was but I tested each one out individually and then one didn't work... so I replaced it and all is well.

Thanks again for the response