[JonnyG]

JonnyG here,

I have a diagram of an electrical wire up of a mix of recessed lights and flourescent lights in m basement plan. I will be pulling a permit to ensure everything is up to code but looking to make sure that I am prepared with correct wiring before I do this, not looking for headaches.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hope the attachment works, may have to monkey around with it more, I did this in excel spreadsheet form.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Attachment only opens an empty file?

 

[JonnyG]

I am having trouble creating a file that is compatible with the attachment options on this site. I tried creating a zip file but it looks like it gives access to my computer to open it up and that doesn't make sense to me. I don't know what to do, do you?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I usually create a jpg of the drawing & post that
I also usually host the files on photobucket
If you have the file open you can open PAINT
Go back to the file that is open
Do a "Print screen"
Then paste that into paint

 

[JonnyG]

Thanks Scuba Dave,

This should be okay now.:thumbsup:

What do you think and by the way, are you just a DIYer or do you have a professional background to support your vast knowledge?

 

[JonnyG]

Thanks Scuba Dave,

This should be okay now.:thumbsup:

What do you think and by the way, are you just a DIYer or do you have a professional background to support your vast knowledge?


Now that I know how to do this, I have a couple other lighting configurations. I also have this version in a three wire from the circuit panel through the first set of flourecent lights if that makes more sense. I didn't know if I was overloading the boxes with wires?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I've taken some electric courses in the past
And I went to college & took architect courses
But most of my knowledge is hands on
I've done a lot of electric & bought the NEC 2005 handbook
But I doubt if I have covered even 5% of what is covered in the NEC
For 7 years I was renovating my old house - built in 1905
We bought this house & I started work in '04
I'm working on finishing up a 24x36 addition - 3 floors
Lotsa fun - heading out now to work as the sun is finally out

 

[finnimus]

Is this all going to be one circuit?

 

[JonnyG]

Yes, this is all on one circuit. It will be a 15 amp circuit with 14 canister lights at 65 watts (I think they are) and 3-4 flourescent lights. I am more concerned with how the wiring is set up at this time. I may modify the configuration or number of lights later. Even at this set up, I am still far below the allowable wattage.

I wanted to split my basement up into two separate lighting circuits so that I can't have a power outage or dimming lights when tools and other items are plugged in the outlets.

Any thoughts?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Yes, this is all on one circuit. It will be a 15 amp circuit with 14 canister lights at 65 watts (I think they are) and 3-4 flourescent lights. I am more concerned with how the wiring is set up at this time. I may modify the configuration or number of lights later. Even at this set up, I am still far below the allowable wattage.

I wanted to split my basement up into two separate lighting circuits so that I can't have a power outage or dimming lights when tools and other items are plugged in the outlets.

Any thoughts?

A 15a circuit is good for 1800 watts
14 x 65w = 910 watts - OK there
Double check & make sure 65w is the MAX allowable bulb in the fixture. That is what you need to use to calculate the load.
As long as the 3-4 flourescents do not use up 890w that should be OK

One light switch for the wood shop seems OK
Are the S3 & S4 3way & 4way switches?
9 cans in the entertainment room
I'd be tempted to use 3 switches so you do not need all the lights on at once. I also think I'd use a dimmer on at least 3 of the cans

 

[JonnyG]

Hello Scuba Dave,

I actually will have two light switches for the shop, the other switch and a matching set of 3-4 flourescent lights will be on another circuit so I can't be left in the dark.

Yes, the S3 and S4 are 3-way and 4-way switches.

I planned on putting everything on dimers but the suggestion for multiple switches for the 9 lights is not a bad idea?!


My last question would be, does it look like the path of the wires is correct? I am mostly concerned with the White (neutral) wires which are blue in my diagram. Along with, do they make the junction boxes deep enough for the amount of wires that I am planning on putting in them?

I am going to attach my other option for this same room. The only difference was me utilizing a three wire to come directly from the panel to the switch with a source that can power up the rest of the runs. Which one would you go with?

Thanks