[rimmi2002]

Hi, I am installing recessed lighting to a bedroom. Will be using 4" recessed lighting kits with these bulbs 5W LED bulbs

I have done basic electric work before and am familiar with how to hook up the wires. My question is mainly about what gauge wire to chain the 4 recessed lights with.

Right now the room has two switches. 1 controls the fan and the other controls the lights in the fan.

My initial plan is to use the wire that feeds the current lightbulbs (since I'm going to be taking the old fan/light out) and attach it to the first LED light and then run the (12/2 or 14/2) Romex wire to connect them all. At the bottom I'll change the light switch to LED dimmer switch.

My question is if I keep the current wire that currently attaches to the light, does it matter what gauge electrical wire I use to chain the remaining
LED lights. I had read somewhere that If I make the wire thicker it will be a problem. It should the same gauge or thinner. If that is the case, is the wire gauge normally written on the wire? Any help/advise will be great. Thanks.

 

[Arrow3030]

14 or 12 gauge if the circuit breaker is 15 amps or 12 gauge if the breaker is 20 amps.

 

[Oso954]

I had read somewhere that If I make the wire thicker it will be a problem. It should the same gauge or thinner.

The only problem with increasing wire size on a circuit extension is it becomes harder to work with, takes more space in the box etc. Making it smaller is not permitted unless you have 12awg on a 15amp circuit. Even there, I match wire size because it keeps the option open to increase the circuit to a 20 amp at some point in the future.

The wire gauge is either printed or embossed on the outer sheath of the romex, if you have access to read it. If you don't, you can use a wire stripper (type with seperate holes for #14, #12, etc) to measure the wire size.

I would recommend that you find the exact cans and bulbs in a store near you. You need to trial fit the LED bulbs in the can. My experience is that they may not fit or must be forced into that type of can\trim. The LED is a slightly larger diameter than the halogen bulb is "replaces".

 

[Jim Port]

The wiring can be larger. It cannot be smaller than the gauge required for the breaker. See above for the proper sizes.

 

[rimmi2002]

The only problem with increasing wire size on a circuit extension is it becomes harder to work with, takes more space in the box etc. Making it smaller is not permitted unless you have 12awg on a 15amp circuit. Even there, I match wire size because it keeps the option open to increase the circuit to a 20 amp at some point in the future.

The wire gauge is either printed or embossed on the outer sheath of the romex, if you have access to read it. If you don't, you can use a wire stripper (type with seperate holes for #14, #12, etc) to measure the wire size.

I would recommend that you find the exact cans and bulbs in a store near you. You need to trial fit the LED bulbs in the can. My experience is that they may not fit or must be forced into that type of can\trim. The LED is a slightly larger diameter than the halogen bulb is "replaces".

Thanks. The breaker is 15 amp. I should be able to see the wire when I cut it off. Thanks for the help.