Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    nutekconsulting's Avatar
    nutekconsulting Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 5, 2007, 02:18 PM
    Wiring a basement with switches and recessed lighting
    Hi I am wiring my basement for first time with "guidance" of an "electrician"
    Ive used 14/2 wiring
    I am installing a total of 10 recessed lighting in 2 zones, 5 in each. And 10 wall switches , 5 in each zone as well
    This is how I have started
    Run 1 14/2 wire from panel to shortest run for each zone switch placed 12" off ground.
    Then looped those to the remaining 4 switches... then from the last switch Ive ran a 14/2 wire to where my wall switch will be to turn the lights on, then from that switch Ive run wire to each of the recessed lights so a total of 10 lights/switches on a 15A breaker

    I hope this makes sense... I have done this to both zones...

    Please if someone can look this over and let me know if Im onth eright track

    Thanks
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #2

    Oct 5, 2007, 03:45 PM
    Not to rain on your parade but are you using a 15 Amp breaker to feed these lights?

    If you are using 20 Amp breakers then you need to use 12/2 wire, according to NEC code.

    I've got to take a better look at your plan so I'll get back to you tomorrow.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Oct 5, 2007, 04:31 PM
    As long as each light draws less than 150 watts the #14 and a 15 amp breaker will be OK. Better see what tkrussell says about switches 12'' of the floor. Also if you have 11 cables coming out of the same box it may need to be larger that standard.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Oct 5, 2007, 06:35 PM
    How do you want to switch 2 X 5 lights, should need 2 switches? With 10 switches you could switch each of the 10 lights.
    If 5 per zone, why not wire from switch to first light, then second,etc... to 5th light.
    will help eleminate, a lot of connections in one box.
    Is this for really short people?
    What do the 10 switches control?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #5

    Oct 6, 2007, 06:44 AM
    Hey guys,

    I don't believe that the poster is actually using switches 12" off the ground. However, since is talking about 5 zones, I'll bet he is using motion sensors 12" off the ground to detect the presence of people. As you walk across the room and cross zones, the lights would go on.

    Poster, please correct me if I'm wrong.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Oct 6, 2007, 06:53 AM
    I guess we will never know the details until the poster responds and answers the good questions and comments that will help answer the original question.

    I am concerned with the statement ""guidance" of an "electrician"".

    Why the questions when there is guidance?

    Another weekend Romex Ranger?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #7

    Oct 6, 2007, 12:52 PM
    TaDa - Have Romex will wire... Where does this pointy end go and how come its inside this housing?
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Recessed Lighting on Dimmers [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 15 amp circuit dedicated for 16 6" Halo IC recessed lights in my basement. To control these recessed lights, I installed one 3 way dimmer that controls 8 of the recessed light and the other 8 recessed lights are controlled by a regular single switch dimmer. Currently both dimmers work...

Recessed Lighting [ 8 Answers ]

Need help with Recessed Lighting. The included picture is an electrical diagram I used in wiring up some recessed lighting. The switches used are 600w Dimmer Switches with push on/off feature. The problem is that on the center switch the dimming feature burns out consistently but I am still able...

Recessed Lighting in a Suspened Ceiling [ 3 Answers ]

I am going to be putting a suspended ceiling in a basement rec room. I am going to hang the minimum 3" clearance to maximize head room. I want to put recessed lighting in the ceiling since I can not use florescent lighting with 3" hanging. The question is two fold: first, what is the distance...

Wiring basement lighting [ 1 Answers ]

I am wiring a basement for ceiling lights. I have not purchased fixtures yet and we want submerged lighting. My basement is rather small and I have decided to put up 8 fixtures and they will be switched on and off with (2) 3way switches one at top of stairs one at bottom. They breaker panel is new...

Recessed lighting for playroom [ 1 Answers ]

I have a 11X14 bedroom which I am converting into a playroom. I want to install 6 inch recessed cans. I would like to know how I should layout this room using either six or eight cans. Any help and/or suggestions is appreciated.

View more questions Search