[jacads]

Couple of questions how many recessed lights would I need for my basement which is about 11x24 I was planning on using 6 recessed lights with 100 watt bulbs. Is that enough or is there some formula to determine the correct amount? Also how many recessed lights can I put on a single dimmer switch to a 15 amp breaker? Is it okay to use 14/2 for recessed lights?


thanks

 

[unclduey]

I would be leaning towards 10 cans myself - 2 rows of 5. Make sure the cans will take 100 watt bulbs though, thats pretty hot, as in heat, not Paris Hilton. Look for a can and trim that will take a BR30 65watt bulb, looks better. Dimmers are rated for wattage - bulb watts x quantity. A 1000 watt dimmer would be good for 10 - 65watt bulbs. You need to reduce wattage capability of the dimmer if it is in the same box as other switches. See instructions of the particular dimmer. Also 14-2 is good.

Have fun.

 

[rgsgww]

Most dimmers support a max of 600 watts with no "tabs" removed. This doesn't mean you should fit 600 watts of lighting on one! I would go for 2 dimmers and split it 300-300 watts. Or just pick up a 1000 watt dimmer...

 

[jacads]

Do you have a suggestion as to what particular lights I should use? I have about 9" of clearance with the floor joist and about 14" in between each floor joist. I do not plan on utilizing any insulation around the lights.

Thanks

 

[unclduey]

Your local home improvement store should have Halo H7 or Juno IC 22. For example: http://www.cooperlighting.com/specfiles/productinfopdf/H7T.pdf

 

[sweaty]

Use CFL's and you can get as bright as you want, save electricity, and be cooler in the summer.