Help with wiring new lights in my garage - Lateral-g Forums

nvr2fst · #1 11-07-2009, 10:11 PM

Wow Mike, I see originally everything was grounded as I mentioned and still same BS. Now that you started over I drew your explanation in my head and ended up with a brain freeze which is probably way less of a headache than you have right now. I would definitely try rewiring per "awesometool's" post.
If that doesn't work you could buy some matches

awesometool · #2 11-08-2009, 04:49 AM

I like pictures better.

**scherp69** · #3 11-08-2009, 09:35 AM

Thanks guys...that will be an easy fix as I already have the wires running that way, I'll just need to switch the one white over and connect it to the black. From there, am I okay to run the next three lights in series?

With the 14 vs 12, my lights are the only thing that are on 14, I think all my outlets are on 12 (I will double check to make sure). If my outlets are still on 12, am I okay running the 14 to the lights??

eville · #4 11-08-2009, 09:39 AM

Technically, if you have 12ga wire, you should swap the breaker to a 15A.

awesometool · #5 11-08-2009, 10:08 AM

If you pull 20amps thru the 14 wire it will heat up and it is a great way to start fires. A 15amp outlet will not accept a 12 gauge wire in the back stab holes for this reason. The other fixtures can attach to the same wire as the first fixture. I have seen melted oulets with 20amp breaker-14/2 wire-15 amp outlets.

**GregWeld** · #6 11-08-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awesometool

I like pictures better.

THIS DIAGRAM IS COMPLETELY INCORRECT!!! DO NOT WIRE YOUR SWITCH LIKE THIS!!!

The WHITE wire - should come from the panel to the switch BOX only and be junctioned there with the WHITE wire going to the LIGHT --- the SWITCH should have a BLACK wire from the panel to one screw (or push in) on the SWITCH with ANOTHER BLACK from the screw (or push in) to the LIGHT....

REMEMBER - You ONLY SWITCH ONE LEG OF ELECTRICITY!!

This diagram shows a WHITE CONNECTED TO A BLACK -- NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!

awesometool · #7 11-09-2009, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld

THIS DIAGRAM IS COMPLETELY INCORRECT!!! DO NOT WIRE YOUR SWITCH LIKE THIS!!!

The WHITE wire - should come from the panel to the switch BOX only and be junctioned there with the WHITE wire going to the LIGHT --- the SWITCH should have a BLACK wire from the panel to one screw (or push in) on the SWITCH with ANOTHER BLACK from the screw (or push in) to the LIGHT....

REMEMBER - You ONLY SWITCH ONE LEG OF ELECTRICITY!!

This diagram shows a WHITE CONNECTED TO A BLACK -- NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!

Your switching the hot wire just like the diagram. Your way would use much more liner foot of 12/2. I have on average of two electrical inspections per week at my companies work sites and if we pull full power to the switch box it would not pass. Just do a search for "diagram of a switch leg" it never has a netrual wire at a switch. If you look at any new construction or remodel project it has one wire to the switch box.

**scherp69** · #8 11-13-2009, 05:17 PM

I finally got to go back in the shop to work on the lights. I ended up running the power wire straight to the switch, pigtailed the black power to the my two switches and connected the whites together. From there everything else was black to black and white to white connection. I then changed out the 20 amp breaker and put in a 15 amp and it was go time. I flicked the switches on and I have lights again!!!

And it's way brighter in there now too!

It's strange though...I know now that 14 wire goes with a 15 amp breaker. I looked at all the wire I yanked out...it's all 14 wire and has been running on the 20 amp breaker for the entire time. Oh well...it's all good now.

Oh and as for the stereo...it was plugged into a separate circuit and playing away. As soon as I turned the lights on...static. Guess I'll be running cable into the shop :devil:

Thanks again for everyone input and advice. I really appreciate it.

**GregWeld** · #9 11-13-2009, 05:32 PM

Wiring 101..... :>) Not hard when it's done "right" you got light!

http://www.electrical-online.com/ima...to%20light.gif

While there are "variations" of this basic switch wiring... this is what most home guys should stick with IMHO.... easy to figure it out when something doesn't go right... and anyone looking at it can see what's up.

GOOD JOB!!

Garage Dog 65 · #10 11-25-2009, 01:56 PM

Never wire the hot line directly to the florescent fixture first. Hot should only run to the switch - and then the fixture - then to return. I've seen ballasts catch fire due to partial shorts that don't pop the breaker. Power should be off the fixture(s) when the switch is in the Off posn.

(I've seen people tap into an existing hot plug line in the ceiling {Ex: GD opener} - then drop a switch leg down the wall to the switch. That leaves the circuit hot all the time. Easy - but dangerous IMO)

Jim