Recessed Lighting powered by Outlet Switch

[Manny_Remodeler]

I'm putting in recessed lighting (4 cans @ 100 watts each) and want to control them using the light switch already wired to the top half of a wall outlet. How do I wire them? Will both plugs on the outlet still work independent of the light switch or will the top half be forever linked to the switch? I'd like to also place this on a dimmer. The home is a new construction completed in early 2004. What is your suggestion(s) for wiring, wattage, dimmer types and capacity, etc.? Thanks!

[John Nelson]

It depends on how you want it to work, how it is wired now, and where you run the cable from.

Note that not all can/trim combinations are rated to handle 100 watts. If you really need 100 watt bulbs (that's a lot), then you'll need to restrict yourself to non-IC (no insulation contact) cans and open trim styles. If there is insulation above this room, and you like insulation, then you might want to reconsider.

It seems (although you never said so) that you would prefer that the top half of this receptacle no longer be switched. That's okay and easy to do if that's what you want.

Finally, tell us whether it would be easier for you to run the cable from the new lights to the switch box, or to the receptacle box.

More questions will follow after you fill in these details.

[Manny_Remodeler]

John, thanks for the reply. I guess I can go down to 4 cans @ 75 watts if it makes it easier. I don't know yet if there's insulation but I don't think so. I'd like to make the receptacle independent of the switch. Do I just buy a new receptacle and wire it like the existing without breaking the tab?

I saw another thread you wrote to jrmac99 on 11/8 that explains wiring to a switch. Should I just follow those directions? Will the wiring differ when I change the switch to one with a dimmer? I plan to daisy chain the 4 cans but will I have to change to a higher rated dimmer/switch if I increase to 6 cans? Thanks.

[John Nelson]

Finally, tell us whether it would be easier for you to run the cable from the new lights to the switch box, or to the receptacle box.

[Manny_Remodeler]

Wiring to the receptacle or the switch would be equally easy/difficult. I can go either way but from what I hear, there may be more benefits to wiring to the switch.

[John Nelson]

Actually, the job is easier if you run the cable to the receptacle box. That way, you can just leave the switch box as is.

Next step is to shut off the breaker, pull the receptacle out of its box (without disconnecting any wires!!!), and tell me everything you see--every cable, every wire, every connection.