[rimmi2002]

Hi I am in the process of installing recessed lights in my bedroom. Right now I have a 2 switch outlet in which a 12-2 brings in power from 15 amp breaker. Then a 12-3 wire takes this to a (fan + light combo).

I removed the old (fan +light) combo. Put in 4 new recessed lights.

I was planning on doing this and was wondering if my plan theoretically will work and is not violating any codes in california.

Cut the 12-3 out wire that was going to (Fan + light) in the attic; Take it to the first LED light in the series. There connect (hot #1, black wire) to the appropriate connector in the LED. Attach as new 12-2 wire here that combines with the hot #2 (red wire) of the original 12-3, and connect all the neutral and grounds and run this new 12-2 wire to the location of the fan.

With this I was hoping to keep both switches functional for any need in the future. Right now I will only keep the recessed lights with no fan, but down the line if I wanted to re add a fan (without a light) I have the wires in place to connect.

I have done basic DIY electric experience but am far from being a expert at it. So if what I proposing is completely wrong please let me know. Thanks for your help.

 

[joed]

It will work. It will be code if all your boxes are accessible. It is not the way I would do it.

I would leave the existing cable as is and just run the new light cable from the existing fan box, connecting the white and black wires and capping the unused red. Put a blank cover on the box and paint it to match the ceiling.

 

[Jim Port]

It will work. It will be code if all your boxes are accessible. It is not the way I would do it.

I would leave the existing cable as is and just run the new light cable from the existing fan box, connecting the white and black wires and capping the unused red. Put a blank cover on the box and paint it to match the ceiling.

^ This x2. No need to make more work for yourself.

 

[rimmi2002]

It will work. It will be code if all your boxes are accessible. It is not the way I would do it.

I would leave the existing cable as is and just run the new light cable from the existing fan box, connecting the white and black wires and capping the unused red. Put a blank cover on the box and paint it to match the ceiling.

Thanks that sounds like a good idea, plus the fan box is larger so more wires can fit in it. to allow room for the new wire to exit the ceiling fan box...do I just break the knock out and leave it open or are there wire clamps that I can fit from in them from the outside? Thanks.

 

[joed]

If the box does not have internal clamps then you need to add the proper clamp to match the cable you use into the hole.

 

[rimmi2002]

If the box does not have internal clamps then you need to add the proper clamp to match the cable you use into the hole.

Thanks. I'll try to find these clamps at homedepot. Also Also I cant find the wire gauge on the current electric cable. They might be 14 or 12 gauge. so I decided to be just safe and use 12 gauge wires. the breaker is 15 amp. From what I told earlier on here that you should increase gauge in circuit, but its okay to increase wire gauge. So even if the other wires are 14-2/3, I am thinking going 12-2/3 will be the safe choice. Thanks for your help.

 

[joed]

15 amp breaker you only need #14. There is no problem with #12 except that it is a bit harder work with and bend.

 

[Msradell]

15 amp breaker you only need #14. There is no problem with #12 except that it is a bit harder work with and bend.

True however, because part of the circuit is already #12 if somebody saw that in the future they may put in a larger breaker for some reason. Most times it's better and safer to keep the same size wire for everything in a circuit.

 

[rimmi2002]

thanks I actually ended up sticking with 14 gauge wire.