Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Recessed Lighting Wiring

I have a question regarding the wiring for some lighting I have been working on and just need to check I am doing it correctly.

The power has come in to the switch and then I ran the cable out to the first recessed light then onto the next then next. In the switch box I have 2 blacks 2 whites and 2 neutrals each paired together. The lights are working ok.

I now need to connect up another set of lights in the same room, so do I take the power from the switch of the first set - if so what would the connections be?

Thanks in advance for any pointers

Do you want these switched the same as the first set of recessed?

Is there still capacity to add the new lights?

Yes there's still capacity. From what I remember seeing on here before the capacity is 1800 watts on a 15A 12/2 line.

I want this second set switching on from a separate switch. Therefore I assume it needs power going to the switch.

Thanks a lot

The details depend on whether or not the second switch is going to be in the same box as the first, but the basic idea is that all white wires end up getting connected together, and you need to split the black power feed to both switches. If you need more help, post back with more details of your project.

No its going to be in a different box.

If I take the feed from switch #1 what would be the best way to connect everything up? Id rather not guess..

Thanks a lot

Id rather not guessAlways an excellent idea in electrical work!!

Run a 12/2 or 14/2 cable (match existing cable size, but don't use 14/2 if the breaker is 20 amps) from the existing switch box to the new switch box. Run another cable from the new switch box to the lights, the same way you did before. At the new switch box, wire it exactly like you previously wired the existing switch box. At the existing switch box, connect the new white wire to the two existing white wires. Connect the new bare wire to the two existing bare wires (which are pigtailed to the green screw on the switch, right?). Remove the power feed black wire from the switch (make sure you select the correct black wire!). Use a wire nut to connect this black wire to your new black wire, and to a pigtail (several inch piece of black wire). Connec the other end of the pigtail back to the screw on the switch.

Thanks for the detail.

I think the last part was the only bit I couldnt understand but now I see that the pigtail is there so other switches/lights can share the power.

I've never used a pigtail before - can I just simply use an offcut of 12/2 and strip it down to leave the black only?

Thanks again.

I've never used a pigtail before - can I just simply use an offcut of 12/2 and strip it down to leave the black only?Yes, that's the normal way.

Ok thanks.

One last question, I have sufficient capacity on this line to fit another light, an outside light with sensor. Do I just do the same - ie. take the power as I've done above, then feed to the new fitting?

Thanks again

Yes, you can keep doing this as long as you have remaining circuit capacity.