Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Guns's Avatar
    Guns Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 10, 2008, 05:08 PM
    Wiring multiple recessed light through branch circuit
    I wired (11) recessed 4" incandescent cans in series with #12AWG on a 20amp circuit. After wiring was complete I noticed there was a note on the can that said "maximum of (8) 12AWG through branch circuit conductors" The maximum load on this circuit is approximately 12 amps. What is the ramification of 11 vs 8 and if so what should I do. I want to control all lights from one dimmer.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Oct 10, 2008, 07:14 PM
    I don't get it. Are you saying you have 11 #12 conductors in one of the fixture's boxes?
    If so, WHY?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Oct 10, 2008, 07:14 PM

    Where was this written? Was it on the electrical connection box. I suspect but can not be certain because I do not where it is located, that the notice mean that there is a maximum of eight 12 gauge conductors allow in the box, not 8 lights on the circuits. The fixture itself would not determine the total number of fixtures allowed.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Oct 10, 2008, 07:16 PM
    Oh wait, I get it now. You have 11 lights. That is NOT what that means. It means you cannot have more than 11 #12 conductors in each fixture's junction box.
    That has nothing to do with the number of fixtures on the circuit.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Oct 10, 2008, 07:59 PM

    Stan, Change "11 #12" in your post to "8 #12" which is what the label says.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #6

    Oct 10, 2008, 08:04 PM
    Your wiring should be fine... but make sure the dimmer you choose has the wattage capacity for the total of the lamps you are going to use..
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #7

    Oct 10, 2008, 09:35 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid View Post
    Stan, Change "11 #12" in your post to "8 #12" which is what the label says.
    You're right. Nasty typos.
    Guns's Avatar
    Guns Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #8

    Oct 10, 2008, 10:47 PM

    Thanks Stan, that makes more sense. I guess I misunderstood what the note was saying.
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!

How many recessed 65 W lights on one 20amp circuit? [ 5 Answers ]

My question is pretty straight forward. I am going to have 20 recepticals and 16 recessed lights to wire. I have plenty of room for additional breakers in my box I also prefer using 20 amp breakers 12/2 wiring. How do you calculate how many lights and recepticals can go on one circuit? My maximum...

Maximum load allowed on a branch circuit used for fixed resistance heating? [ 1 Answers ]

What is the maximum load allowed (%) on a branch circuit used solely for fixed resistance heating?

How many recessed lights on one circuit [ 1 Answers ]

Hi There! I am wondering how many recessed lights I can put on one 15 amp or 20 amp circuit. Also, could you tell me how to properly connect each light in series and if so do I need any junction boxes. What type of electrical wire do I need for this project. I was thinking of putting in 6...

Wrong branch wiring from a junction box? [ 1 Answers ]

I recently ran wiring for a flood light that shines over my deck. A friend who seemed to know what he was talking about told me I could "grab power" from a junction box to power the light. The junction box has 12/2 wiring running through it and the wiring to the light is 14/2. This did not raise a...

Wiring for multiple light switches [ 3 Answers ]

I have three light switches that control one light fixture. In the past, they all turned the light of and on independently. But recently it depends on where you turn if off. In some cases, it won't turn on at another switch. Someone told me it was the wiring or the switches. Nobody has changed...

View more questions Search