| |
You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > Installing Recessed Lights but Tripping Breaker
Expert: Bob Sponaugle - 11/3/2009
Question
Two questions: I am attempting to install recessed lights in the basement of my 1925 Sears Catalogue Dutch Colonial home. I've replaced lighting fixtures/outlets before, installed a ceiling fan, etc but this is the first time I'm installing a series of lights. These lights will be on one simple toggle switch which is already there. I've removed the large florescent light fixture from the ceiling and installed one recessed light. Turned the power back on to the circuit and the light is on. When I add the wiring to the switch and turn the power on the circuit trips when I throw the wall switch. It doesn't make any sense to me. All I've done is swap out the light fixture with the exact same wiring scheme that pre-existed. I want to get this issue worked out before installing 3 more lights in this area of the basement.
A second question - how far apart should the recessed lights be? Someone told me 1 foot per inch for the size of the light (ie if it's a 6" recessed light they should be 6' apart). Any suggestions on how far from the wall the first light should be? I'm lighting a 12x14' area right now.
Answer
Hi.
It sounds like you either have some wires crimped, or even more likely a switch loop wired wrong. The wire to the switch should connect to the black power in, the other wire from the switch connects to the black fixture wire. They are both hot wires to the switch, even though one is white.
I have heard they should be as far apart, as they are from the floor. So an 8' ceiling would be 8 feet apart. However, you would have less lights for a higher ceiling, where you probably need more. So you sort of have to use your own judgement on that.
I hope this helps.
Bob
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
