What kind of wire do you use for recessed lighting?
State or city electrical codes may require a specific type and/or gauge of wire to safely install recessed lighting fixtures. The electrician will know these requirements. Typically, a 12-gauge cable with two insulated conductor wires and a ground wire are used.
Can you use 12-2 wire recessed lighting?
Yes, it is okay to use 12-2 cable to supply lighting fixtures. The other answer indicates that it even with 12-2 you have to use a 15A breaker for lighting circuits which is not strictly correct. If the entire circuit is 12AWG (other than fixture wires), then a 20A breaker may be used.
What kind of Romex do I need for lighting?
The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:
| Wire Gauge or Type | Rated Amperage | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 14-2 Romex | 15 A | Lighting Circuits |
| 12-2 Romex | 20 A | Lighting and Outlet Circuits, refrigerator |
| 10-2 Romex | 30 A | Electric water heater, baseboard heaters |
| 10-3 Romex | 30 A | Electric Clothes Dryer |
What gauge wire is best for low voltage lighting?
We recommend 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire for long distances. This is to prevent voltage drop. The further you get from the transformer and its power supply, the more resistance occurs in the circuit which causes the voltage to decrease.
Can I daisy chain LED recessed lights?
You can not daisy chain multiple lights together. If you are using aspectLED Ultra-Thin extension cables, always purchase the appropriate length cable and never connect multiple extension cables together.
Can you use 14 gauge wire for recessed lighting?
Step 2: Plan the Circuit 15 amp circuits are the most common. 20 amp circuits require 12 gauge wire; 15 amps circuits allow for less expensive 14 gauge wire. Our example uses 14 gauge wire. This means you could theoretically have fourteen 100 watt recessed lights on a single circuit.
Can I daisy chain recessed lights?
Is it OK to mix 12 and 14 gauge wire?
More specifically, can you connect 14-gauge wire to 12-gauge wire? While this is possible, it is not recommended in order to prevent overloading. For example, if the amp capacity of your breaker is 20 amps, you should only use 12-gauge wire, and if it’s 15 amps, the entire circuit should be 14-gauge.
Can I use 14 gauge wire for low voltage?
If the amperage is 15 amps or less, you can use 14-gauge Romex for low voltage. Just make sure that this wiring does not share the same electrical boxes with any 120-volt lines.
