Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - How to remodel the wiring
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richard43
02-18-09, 01:14 AM
I have lighting in the basement that has one switch that is connected to five light fixtures. I want to disconnect one light fixture, and have the four light fixtures still connected to the same switch. Then, I want to connect another switch to the one fixture that I disconnected. What size gauge wires do I use for the four light fixtures and what size gauge wire do I use for the one light fixture? Can I pigtail the wires into two for the two light switches?
John Nelson
02-18-09, 08:07 AM
First, go get and read several books on home wiring. You need some skill building before starting.
Next, figure out the size of the circuit breaker that controls power to these lights. It's probably 15 amps, but it might be 20. It'll be written on the handle of the breaker.
Disconnecting the one light from the existing switch will not require any new wire, so I don't know why you are asking about wire size to use for the four light fixtures.
You will need new wire for the new switch and from the new switch to the light fixture it controls and from some source of power to that light or the new switch. There are multiple ways of doing this, and the best way for you depends on topology factors we cannot see from here. At any rate, you will use the same size and type of wire that is currently used to wire the existing fixtures.
Next, figure out the size of the circuit breaker that controls power to these lights. It's probably 15 amps, but it might be 20. It'll be written on the handle of the breaker.
Disconnecting the one light from the existing switch will not require any new wire, so I don't know why you are asking about wire size to use for the four light fixtures.
You will need new wire for the new switch and from the new switch to the light fixture it controls and from some source of power to that light or the new switch. There are multiple ways of doing this, and the best way for you depends on topology factors we cannot see from here. At any rate, you will use the same size and type of wire that is currently used to wire the existing fixtures.