black & decker lighting projects : current with 2011-2013 electrical codes
TRANSCRIPT
LIGHTINGPROJECTSCurrentwith2011-2013ElectricalCodes
ContentsLightingProjects
CeilingLightsRecessedCeilingLightsTrackLightsUndercabinetLightsVanityLightsLow-voltageCableLightsLandscapeLightsMotion-SensingFloodlights
LightingProjects
CeilingLights
Ceilingfixturesdon’thaveanymovingpartsandtheirwiringisverysimple,so,otherthanchangingbulbs,you’relikelytogetdecadesoftrouble-freeservicefromafixture.Thissoundslikeagoodthing,butitalsomeansthatthefixtureprobablywon’tfailandgiveyouanexcusetoupdatearoom’slookwithanewone.Fortunately,youdon’tneedanexcuse.Upgradingafixtureiseasyandcanmakeadramaticimpactonaroom.Youcansubstantiallyincreasethelightinaroombyreplacingaglobe-stylefixturebyonewithseparatespotlights,oryoucansimplyinstallanewfixturethatmatchestheroom’sdécor.
Tools&Materials
ReplacementlightfixtureWirestripperVoltagesensorInsulatedscrewdriversWireconnectorsEyeprotection
Installinganewceilingfixturecanprovidemorelighttoaspace,nottomentionanaestheticlift.It’soneoftheeasiestupgradesyoucando.
Nomatterwhataceilinglightfixturelookslikeontheoutside,theyallattachinbasicallythesameway.Anelectricalboxintheceilingisfittedwithamountingstrap,whichholdsthefixtureinplace.Thebarewirefromtheceilingtypicallyconnectstothemountingstrap.Thetwowirescomingfromthefixtureconnecttotheblackandthewhitewiresfromtheceiling.
Ifthenewfixtureismuchheavierthantheoriginalfixture,itwillrequireadditionalbracingintheceilingtosupporttheelectricalboxandthefixture.Themanufacturer’sinstructionsshouldspecifythesizeandtypeofbox.Iftheceilingisfinishedandthereisnoaccessfromabove,youcanremovetheoldboxanduseanadjustableremodelingbraceappropriateforyourfixture(shown).Thebracefitsintoasmallholeintheceiling(inset).Oncethebracingisinplace,installanewelectricalboxspecifiedforthenewfixture.
Inexpensivelightfixtureshavescrewterminalsmounteddirectlytothebacksideofthefixtureplate.Often,asseenhere,theyhavenogroundingterminal.Somecodesdonotallowthistypeoffixture,butevenifyourhometowndoesapprovethem,itisagoodideatoreplacethemwithabetterquality,saferfixturethatisUL-approved.
HowtoReplaceaCeilingLight
Shutoffpowertotheceilinglightandremovetheshadeordiffuser.Loosenthemountingscrewsandcarefullylowerthefixture,supportingitasyouwork(donotletlightfixtureshangbytheirelectricalwiresalone).Testwithavoltagesensortomakesurenopowerisreachingtheconnections.
Removethetwistconnectorsfromthefixturewiresorunscrewthescrewterminalsandremovethewhiteneutralwireandtheblackleadwire(inset).
Beforeyouinstallthenewfixture,checktheendsofthewirescomingfromtheceilingelectricalbox.Theyshouldbecleanandfreeofnicksorscorchmarks.Ifthey’redirtyorworn,clipoffthestrippedportionwithyourcombinationtool.Thenstripawayabout3/4"ofinsulationfromtheendofeachwire.
Attachamountingstraptotheceilingfixtureboxifthereisnotonealreadypresent.Yournewlightmaycomeequippedwithastrap,otherwiseyoucanfindoneforpurchaseatanyhardwarestore.
Liftthenewfixtureuptotheceiling(youmaywantahelperforthis)andattachthebarecoppergroundwirefromthepowersupplycabletothegroundingscreworcliponthemountingstrap.Alsoattachthegroundwirefromthefixturetothescreworclip.
Withthefixturesupportedbyaladderorahelper,jointhewhitewireleadandthewhitefixturewirewithawireconnector(oftensuppliedwiththefixture).
Connecttheblackpowersupplywiretotheblackfixturewirewithawireconnector.
Positionthenewfixturemountingplateovertheboxsothemountingscrewholesalign.Drivethescrewsuntilthefixtureissecureagainsttheceiling.Note:Somefixturesaresupportedbyathreadedrodornippleinthecenterthatscrewsintoafemalethreadedopeninginthemountingstrap(inset).
RecessedCeilingLights
Recessedlightsareversatilefixturessuitedforavarietyofsituations.Fixturesratedforoutdoorusecanalsobeinstalledinroofsoffitsandoverhangsforaccentandsecuritylighting.Recessedfixturescanalsobeinstalledovershowersortubs.Besuretousefixturecansandtrimsratedforbathroomuse.
Therearerecessedlightingcansinallshapesandsizesforalmosteverytypeofceilingorcabinet.Cansaresoldforunfinishedceilings(newconstruction)orforfinishedceilings(retrofitinstallation).Cansarealsoratedasinsulationcompatibleorforuninsulatedceilings.Besuretousethecorrectoneforyourceilingtopreventcreatingafirehazard.
Choosethepropertypeofrecessedlightfixtureforyourproject.Therearetwotypesoffixtures:thoseratedforinstallationwithininsulation(left),andthosewhichmustbekeptatleast3"frominsulation(right).Self-containedthermalswitchesshutoffpoweriftheunitgetstoohotforitsrating.Arecessedlightfixturemustbeinstalledatleast1/2"fromcombustiblematerials.
Tools&Materials
Recessed-lightingcanfornewconstructionorremodelingandtrim
CircuittesterCableripperCombinationtoolPliersFishtapeHacksawDrywallsawNMcableWorkglovesEyeprotection
Recessedceilinglightsoftenareinstalledinseriestoprovideexactingcontrolovertheamountanddirectionoflight.Spacingthecanistersineveryotherceilingjoistbayisacommonpractice.
RecessedMaterials
Recessedceilinglighthousingscomeinmanysizesandstylesforvariouspurposesandbudgets.Somearesoldwithtrimkits(below)included.Somecommontypesare:newconstructionrecessedhousing(soldineconomicalmultipacks)(A);airtightrecessedhousings(forheatedroomsbelowunheatedceilings)(B);shallowrecessedhousings(forroomswith2×6"ceilingjoists)(C);smallaperturerecessedhousing(D);recessedslopeceilinghousing(forvaultedceilings)(E).
Trimkitsforrecessedceilinglightsmaybesoldseparately.Commontypesinclude:recessedopentrim(E);baffletrim(C);recessedopentrimwithbaffle(A,F);recessedeyeballtrim(B);showerlighttrim(D);airtightrecessedtrim(E).
HowtoInstallRecessedCeilingLights
Markthelocationforthelightcanister.Ifyouareinstallingmultiplelights,measureoutfromthewallatthestartandendoftherun,andconnectthemwithachalklinesnappedparalleltothewall.Iftheceilingisfinishedwithasurface(wallboard),seenextpage.
Installthehousingfortherecessedfixture.Housingsfornewconstruction(orremodelinginstallationswheretheinstallationareaisfullyaccessiblefromeitheraboveorbelow)haveintegralhangerbarsthatyouattachtotheeachjoistinthejoistbay.
Runelectriccablefromtheswitchtoeachcanisterlocation.Multiplelightsaregenerallyinstalledinseriessothereisnoneedtomakepigtailconnectionsintheindividualboxes.Makesuretoleaveenoughextracableateachlocationtofeedthewireintothehousingandmaketheconnection.
Runthefeedercablesintotheelectricalboxesattachedtothecanisterhousings.You’llneedtoremoveknockoutsfirstandmakesuretosecurethecablewithawirestaplewithin8"oftheentrypointtothebox.
Connectthefeederwirestothefixturewiresinsidethejunctionbox.Twistthehotleadtogetherwiththeblackfixturewire,aswellastheblackleadtootherfixturesfurtherdownline.Alsoconnecttheneutralwhitewires.Jointhegroundwiresandpigtailthemtothegroundingscreworclipinthebox.Finishtheceiling,asdesired.
Attachyourtrimkitofchoice.Normally,thesearehungwithtorsionspringclipsfromnotchesorhooksinsidethecanister.Thisshouldbedoneaftertheceilingisinstalledandfinishedfornewconstructionprojects.Withcertaintypesoftrimkits,suchaseyeballtrim,you’llneedtoinstallthelightbulbbeforethetrimkit.
HowtoConnectaRecessedFixtureCaninaFinishedCeiling
Maketheholeforthecan.Mostfixtureswillincludeatemplateforsizingthehole.Fish14/2cablefromtheswitchlocationtothehole.Pullabout16"ofcableoutoftheholeformakingtheconnection.
Removeaknockoutfromtheelectricalboxattachedtothecan.Threadthecableintothebox;secureitwithacableclamp.Removesheathinginsulation.Connecttheblackfixturewiretotheblackcircuitwire,thewhitefixturewiretothewhitecircuitwire,andthenconnectthegroundwiretothegroundingscreworgroundingwireattachedtothebox.
Retrofitcanssecurethemselvesintheholewithspring-loadedclips.Installthe
canintheceilingbydepressingthemountingclipssothecanwillfitintothehole.Insertthecansothatitsedgeistighttotheceiling.Pushthemountingclipsbackoutsotheygripthedrywallandholdthefixtureinplace.Installthetrimpiece.
TrackLights
Tracklightingoffersabeautifulandfunctionalwaytoincreasetheamountoflightinaroomorsimplytoupdateitslook.Avarietyoffixtureandlampoptionsletsyoucontroltheshape,color,andintensityofthelight.Installingtracklightinginplaceofanexistingceiling-mountedlightfixtureinvolvesbasicwiringandhand-toolskills,buttheconnectionsareeveneasiertomakethanwithtraditionallightfixtures.Onceinstalled,thesystemisveryeasytoupgradeorexpandinthefuture.
Tools&Materials
Drill/driverandbitsWirestripperScrewdriverVoltagesensorToggleboltsTracklightheadsPrewiredtrackandfittingsWireconnectorCeilingboxEyeprotection
Ifyoucurrentlyhaveaceiling-mountedlightfixturethatisnotmeetingyourlightingneeds,it’ssimpletoreplaceitwithatrack-lightingfixture.Withtracklightingyoucaneasilychangethetypeandnumberoflights,theirpositiononthetrack,andthedirectiontheyaim.Thesefixturescomeinmanydifferentstyles,includingshort3-ft.tracksystemswithjustoneortwolightsupto12-ft.systemswithfiveormorelights.
HowtoInstallTrackLighting
Disconnecttheoldceilinglightfixture(forremodelingprojects)aftershuttingoffpowertothecircuitatthemainservicepanel.Theglobeordiffuserandthelampsshouldberemovedbeforethefixturemountingmechanismisdetached.
Testthefixturewireswithavoltagesensortomakesurethecircuitisdead.Supportthefixturefrombelowwhileyouwork—neverallowalightfixturetohangbyitselectricalwiresalone.Removethewireconnectorsandpullthewiresapart.Removetheoldlightfixture.
Attachthemountingstrapforthenewtracklighttotheoldceilingbox.Ifthemountingstraphasaholeinthecenter,threadthecircuitwiresthroughtheholebeforescrewingthestraptothebox.Thegreenorbarecoppergroundfromthecircuitshouldbeattachedtothegroundingscreworcliponthestraporbox.
Cutthetracksectiontolength,ifnecessary,usingahacksaw.Deburrthecutendwithametalfile.Ifyouareinstallingmultiplesectionsoftrack,assemblethesectionswiththecorrectconnectorfittings(soldseparatelyfromyourkit).YoucanalsopurchaseT-fittingsorL-fittings(insetphoto)ifyouwishtoinstalltracksineitheroftheseconfigurations.
Positionthetracksectioninthemountingsaddleonthemountingstrapandholdittemporarilyinplaceinthelocationwhereitwillbeinstalled.Thetracksectionwillhavepredrilledmountingholesintheback.Drawamarkingpointontheceilingateachoftheselocations.Ifyourtrackdoesnothavepredrilledmountingholes,removeitanddrilla3/16"holeinthebackevery16".
Inserttheboltfromatoggleboltormollyboltintoeachpredrilledscrewlocationandtwistthetoggleormollybackontothefreeend.Thesetypesofhardwarehavegreaterholdingpowerthananchorsleeves.Drilla5/8"dia.accessholeintheceilingateachofthemountingholelocationsyoumarkedontheceilinginstep5.
Insertthetoggleormollyintotheaccessholefarenoughsoitclearsthetopoftheholeandthewingssnapoutward.Thentighteneachboltsothetrackissnugagainsttheceiling.Ifthemountingholehappenstofalloveraceilingjoint,simplydriveawallboardscrewatthatholelocation.
Hookupwiresfromthetrack’spowersupplyfittingtothecircuitwires.Connectblacktoblackandwhitetowhite.Thegroundingwirefromthepowersupplyfittingcaneitherbepigtailedtothecircuitgroundwireandconnectedtothegroundingscreworclip,oritcanbetwistedtogetherwiththecircuitgroundingwireatthegroundingterminal.Snapthefittingintothetrackifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.
Attachtheprotectivecoverthatcamewithyourkittoconcealtheceilingboxandtheelectricalconnections.Somecoverssimplysnapinplace,othersrequireamountingscrew.
Captheopenendsofthetrackwithadeadendcapfitting.Thesealsomayrequireamountingscrew.Leavingtrackendsopenisasafetyviolation.
Insertthelightheadsintothetrackbyslippingthestemintothetrackslotandthentwistingitsotheelectricalcontactpointsontheheadpressagainsttheelectrifiedinnerrailsofthetrackslot.Tuglightlyontheheadtomakesureitissecurebeforereleasingit.
Arrangethetracklightheadssotheirlightfallsinthemanneryouchoose,andthendepressthelockingtaboneachfixturetosecureitinposition.Restorepowerandtestthelights.
UndercabinetLights
Hardwiredundercabinetlightsilluminatethekitchencountertopandsinkareasthatfallintheshadowofceilinglights.Mostoftheselightfixtures,whichareoftencalledstriplights,utilizefluorescent,halogen,orxenonbulbsthatemitverylowlevelsofheatandarethereforeveryefficient.
Ifyouaredoingakitchenremodelwithall-newcabinets,runthenewlightcircuitwiringbeforethecabinetsareinstalled.Foraretrofit,you’llneedtofindanavailablepowersourcetotieinto.Optionsforthisdonotincludethededicated20-ampsmall-appliancecircuitsthatarerequiredinkitchens.Thebestbetistorunnewcircuitwirefromaclose-byceilinglightswitchbox,butthiswillmeancuttingintothewallstoruncable.Anotheroptionistolocateareceptaclethat’sontheoppositesideofasharedwall,preferablynexttoalocationwhereabasecabinetisinstalledinthekitchen.Bycuttinganaccessholeinthecabinetbackyoucantieintothereceptacleboxandruncablethroughthewallbehindthecabinets,uptotheuppercabinetlocation,andoutthewalltosupplythefixturethat’smountedtotheundersideoftheuppercabinet.
Youcanpurchaseundercabinetlightsthatarecontrolledbyawallswitch,butmostproductshaveanintegralon/offbuttonsoyoucancontrollightsindividually.
Tools&Materials
CircuittesterUtilityknifeWallboardsawHammerScrewdriverDrillandholesawJigsawWirestripperUndercabinetlightingkit14/2NMcableWireconnectorsSwitchboxSwitchEyeprotectionHardboardpaneladhesive
Undercabinetlightsprovidedirectedtasklightingthatbringsinksandcountertopworksurfacesoutfromtheshadows.Hardwiredlightsmaybecontrolledeitherbyawallswitchoranonboardon/offswitchlocatedonthefixture.Note:Donotsupplypowerforlightsfromsmall-appliancecircuit.
HowtoInstallaHardwiredUndercabinetLight
Lookintheadjoiningroomforausablepowersourceintheformofareceptaclethathasaboxlocatedinthewallbehindyourbasecabinets.Unlikethesmall-appliancecircuitwithoutletsinyourbacksplasharea,thesetypicallyarenotdedicatedcircuits(whichcan’tbeexpanded).Makesurethatthereceptacle’scircuithasenoughcapacitytosupportanotherload.Shutthepowertothereceptacleoffatthemainservicepanelandtestforpower.
Cutaholeinthebasecabinetbackpaneltogetaccesstothewallbehinditinroughlytheareawhereyouknowthenext-doorreceptacletobe.Useakeyholesawordrywallsawandmakeveryshallowcutsuntilyouhavepositivelyidentifiedthelocationsoftheelectricalboxandcables.Thenfinishthecutswithajigsaw.
Drillanaccessholeintothekitchenwallforthecablethatwillfeedtheundercabinetlight.A1/2"dia.holeshouldbeabouttherightsizeifyouareusing12-ga.or14-ga.sheathedNMcable.
Cutasmallaccesshole(4×4"orso)inthebackpanelofthebasecabinetdirectlybelowtheundercabinetlightlocation.
Feedcableintotheaccessholeatthelightlocationuntiltheendreachestheaccessholebelow.Don’tcutthecableyet.Reachintotheaccessholeandfeelaroundforthefreecableendandthenpullitoutthroughtheaccessholeonceyou’vefoundit.Cutthecable,makingsuretoleaveplentyofextraonbothends.
Stringthecableintoapieceofflexibleconduitthat’slongenoughtoreachbetweenthetwoaccessholesinthebasecabinets.Attachaconnectortoeachendoftheconduittoprotectthecablesheathingfromthesharpedgesofthecutmetal.Tip:Tomakepatchingthecabinetbackeasier,drillanewaccessholeforthecablenearthesquareaccesshole.
Hangtheconduitwithhangerstrapsattachedtothebasecabinetframeorbackpanel,drillingholesinthesidewallsofthecabinetwherenecessarytothreadtheconduitthrough.Onbackpanels,usesmallscrewstohangthestrapsinsteadofbradsornails.Supporttheconduitnearboththeentranceandtheexitholes(theconduitshouldextendpastthebackpanelsbyacoupleofinches).
Variation:Ifyouareinstallingmorethanoneundercabinetlight,runcabledownfromeachinstallationpointasyoudidforthefirstlight.Mountanelectricaljunctionboxtothecabinetbacknearthereceptacleprovidingthepower.Runthepowercablesfromeachlightthroughflexibleconduitandmakeconnectionsinsidethejunctionbox.Besuretoattachthejunctionboxcoveroncetheconnectionsaremade.
Removethereceptaclefromtheboxyouaretyingintoandinsertthenewcircuitcableintooneoftheknockoutsusingacableclamp.Checkawirecapacitychart(seepage28)tomakesuretheboxisbigenoughforthenewconductors.Replaceitwithalargerboxifnecessary.Reinstallthereceptacleoncetheconnectionsaremade.
Installtheundercabinetlight.Somemodelshavearemovablediffuserthatallowsaccesstothefixturewires,andtheseshouldbescrewedtotheuppercabinetpriortomakingyourwiringhookups.Othermodelsneedtobeconnectedtothecircuitwiresbeforeinstallation.Checkyourmanufacturer’sinstallations.
Connectwiresinsidethelightfixtureaccordingtothelightmanufacturer’sdirections.Makesuretheincomingcableisstapledjustbeforeitentersthelightboxandthatacableclampisusedattheknockoutintheboxtoprotectthecable.Restorepowerandtestthelight.
Cutpatchesofhardboardandfitthemovertheaccessholes,overlappingtheedgesofthecutouts.Adherethemtothecabinetbackswithpaneladhesive.
VanityLights
Manybathroomshaveasinglefixturepositionedabovethevanity,butalightsourceinthispositioncastsshadowsonthefaceandmakesgroomingmoredifficult.Lightfixturesoneithersideofthemirrorisabetterarrangement.
Foraremodel,markthemirrorlocation,runcable,andpositionboxesbeforedrywallinstallation.Youcanalsoretrofitbyinstallingnewboxesanddrawingpowerfromtheexistingfixture.
Thelightsourcesshouldbeateyelevel;66"istypical.Thesizeofyourmirroranditslocationonthewallmayaffecthowfarapartyoucanplacethesconces,but36to40"apartisagoodguideline.
Tools&Materials
DrywallsawDrillCombinationtoolCircuittesterScrewdriversHammerElectricalboxesandbracesVanitylightfixturesNMcableWireconnectorsEyeprotection
Vanitylightsonthesidesofthemirrorprovidegoodlighting.
HowtoReplaceVanityLightsinaFinishedBathroom
Turnoffthepowerattheservicepanel.Removetheoldfixturefromthewallandtesttomakesurethatthepowerisoff.Thenremoveastripofdrywallfromaroundtheoldfixturetothefirststudsbeyondtheapproximatelocationofthenewfixtures.Maketheopeninglargeenoughthatyouhaveroomtoroutecablefromtheexistingfixturetotheboxes.
Markthelocationforthefixturesandinstallnewboxes.Installtheboxesabout66"abovethefloorand18to20"fromthecenterlineofthemirror(themountingbaseofsomefixturesisaboveorbelowthebulb,soadjusttheheightofthebracingaccordingly).Ifthecorrectlocationisonornexttoastud,youcanattachtheboxdirectlytothestud,otherwiseyou’llneedtoinstallblockingoruseboxeswithadjustablebraces(shown).
Openthesideknockoutsontheelectricalboxabovethevanity.Thendrill5/8"holesinthecentersofanystudsbetweentheoldfixtureandthenewones.RuntwoNMcablesfromthenewboxesforthefixturestotheboxabovethevanity.Protectthecablewithmetalprotectorplates.Securethecableswithcableclamps,leaving11"ofextracableformakingtheconnectiontothenewfixtures.Removesheathingandstripinsulationfromtheendsofthewires.
Connectthewhitewiresfromthenewcablestothewhitewirefromtheoldcable,andconnecttheblackwiresfromthenewcablestotheblackwirefromtheoldcable.Connectthegroundwires.Coverallopenboxesandthenreplacethedrywall,leavingopeningsforthefixtureandtheoldbox.(Covertheoldboxwithasolidjunctionboxcoverplate.)
Installthefixturemountingbracesontheboxes.Attachthefixturesbyconnectingtheblackcircuitwiretotheblackfixturewire,andconnectingthewhitecircuitwiretothewhitefixturewire.Connectthegroundwires.Positioneachfixtureovereachbox,andattachwiththemountingscrews.Restorepowerandtestthecircuit.
Low-voltageCableLights
Thisuniquefixturesystemisamainstayofretailandcommerciallightingandisnowbecomingcommoninhomes.Low-voltagecablesystemsusetwoparallelcablestosuspendandprovideelectricitytofixturesmountedanywhereonthecables.A12-volttransformerfeedslow-voltagepowertothecables.
Thesystem’seaseofinstallation,flexibility,andthewidevarietyofindividuallightsavailablemakeitperfectforallkindsofspaces.Low-voltagecablelightsystemsareidealforretrofitsandforsituationswheresurface-mountedtrackisundesirableorimpossibletoinstall.
Tools&Materials
CombinationtoolScrewdriverDrillFishtapeSwitchLow-voltagecablelightkitElectricalboxesNMcableLevelEyeprotection
Low-voltageCableLightingKit
Low-voltagecablelightsarelowprofileandeasytoinstall,buttheyprovideasurprisingamountoflight.
HowtoInstallLow-voltageCableLighting
CableLightKits
Low-voltagecablelightstypicallyaresoldinkitsthatcontainthehanginglights,thelow-voltagecable,andadecorativetransformerthatcanbeceilingmountedorwallmounted.
Layoutlocationsforthescreweyesthatareusedtosuspendthecables,whichshouldbeinaparallelline.Thepathshouldleadthecableswithinafootoftheexistingceilingfixtureboxthatyouareusingtoprovidepower.
Installwallanchorsattheappointedlocationsforthescreweyesthatwillsuspendthecables.Plasticsleeveanchorsareadequateinmostcases.Drivetheanchorsintoguideholeswithahammer.
Twistthescreweyesintothewallanchorsleeves,takingcaretomakesuretheyaredriveninequalamountsandarenotoverdriven.Installasetofscreweyesthesamedistanceapartoneachfacingwallintheinstallationarea.Cuttwopiecesoflow-voltagecabletospanbetweenscreweyesonfacingwalls.Recommendationsmayvary—fortheprojectshownherethecableiscut12"shorterthanthedistancebetweenthescreweyes.
Usethecrimpinghardwareinyourkittoformsmallloopsattheendsofeachcable.Sliptheloopsoverthescreweyesononeend,andattachthemtoturnbucklesattheoppositeends.Slidetheturnbucklesoverthescreweyesandtightenthemuntilthecablesaretaut.
Attachthetransformercrossbartotheelectricalboxcontainingthecircuitleads.Shutoffthepoweratthemainservicepanelandtestforpower,thenremovetheoldfixtureifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.
Makewiringconnectionsforthetransformerinsidetheelectricalbox.Makesurethetransformerissupportedwhileyoujointhewires.Besuretoattachthegroundingwirestothegroundingscreworclipinthebox.
Mountthetransformerontotheelectricalboxaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.Themodelshownherehasaseparatechromecoverthatissecuredwithasetscrewafterthetransformerismountedtothecrossbar.
Threadshortlengthsofcableintotheopeningsonthescrewterminalsonthetransformer.Tightenthescrewsuntilthepointedprobeineachterminalpiercesthecablesheathingandmakescontactwiththewireinside.Dothesamewiththeotherendsofthejumpercablesusingtheprovidedconnectorhardware.
Wall-mountIt
Installthetransformerinawalllocationifthereisamoreconvenientpowersourceorifyousimplyprefertheappearanceofthewalllocation.
Hangthelightfixtureholdersfromthecables,tighteningthescrewsinthehangerendsuntiltheirprobespiercethecablesheathingandmakecontact.It’sagoodideatohangallofthefixturesandarrangethemtoyourlikingbeforeyoubegintighteningthescrewsandpiercingthesheathing.
Insertthespeciallow-voltagebulbsintothefixtureholdersandsecurethemasinstructed(here,wearetighteningasetscrew).Turnonthepowerandtestthelights,adjustingtheanglesanddirectionsofthebulbs.
LandscapeLights
Somelandscapelightingmanufacturerspitchtheirsystemsassecurityproducts.Ifyoukeeptheoutsideofyourhousewelllit,thereasoninggoes,thethieveswillturnelsewheretofindeasierpickings.It’spossiblethatthecompaniesarerightaboutthis.Butprobablythestrongerargumentsareforimprovedsafetyandappearance.
Itcan’tbesurprisingthataddingsomelighttothedarkmakesgoingplacessafer.Thisideahasbeenaroundforalongtime—averylongtime.Butthenotionthatyoucanimprovethelookofyourhousebyaddingsomenightlightsismorerecent.Infact,decoratingwithexteriorlightsbecamewidespreadonlyinthelast25years,whenlow-voltagelandscapelightingshowedup.
Low-voltagelightsarepoweredbyatransformerthatsteps120-voltcurrentdowntoasafe12volts.Choosingthelocationforthetransformerisanimportantpartofplanning.Youhavetwooptions:insidethehouseandoutsidethehouse.Theoutsideinstallationisalittleeasier,buttheinsideoneisalittlebetter,especiallyfromasecuritystandpoint.Alsotakesometimetoreviewyourlightplacement.Onceyouarehappywiththeplan,driveasmallstakewhereyouwanteachlighttogo.
Tools&Materials
Drill/driver&bitsHammerScrewdriversHacksawSpadeLow-voltagefixtureWiresTransformerStakesHacksawEyeprotection
Low-voltagelightsaresafetoinstallandusetobeautifyyouroutdoorspaces.
Unlikesolarlandscapelights,theyarepoweredbygoodoldreliableelectricity,sotheyreallycanstayonallnightifyouwishthemto.
PartsofaLandscapeLightSystem
Landscapelightingcanbeorderedinkitformorasindividualpieces.Kitsincludeafewlightheads,somewire,andatransformerthatchangesstandardhousecurrentintolow-voltagepower.Ifyouwanthalfadozenlightsalongthefrontwalk,forexample,thenthekitisagoodidea.It’scheaper,veryeasytoinstall,andwilllastalongtimeunlessthelightsgetrunoverbyalawnmower.
Typicallow-voltageoutdoorlightingsystemsconsistof:lenscap(A),lenscapposts(B),upperreflector(C),lens(D),base/stake/cableconnectorassembly
(containslowerreflector)(E),low-voltagecable(F),lenshood(G),7-watt12-voltbulbs(H),cableconnectorcaps(I),controlboxcontainingtransformerandtimer(J),andlightsensor(K).
HowToModifyLandscapeLightsforDeckInstallation
Specialtylightscancostalotmorethanthestandardplasticspike-baselamps.Becauseofthis,manypeoplemodifythecheaperunitstoserveotherpurposes.Todothis,firstcutoffthespike-basewithahacksaw.
Toinstallamodifiedlightonadeck,boreawire-clearanceholethroughadeckboard.Thenfeedthelow-voltagewirethroughthisholeandattachthebasetothedeckwithscrews.Thesametechniquecanbeusedtoinstallmodifiedunitsonplantersorrailings.
HowtoInstallLow-VoltageLandscapeLights
Installthetransformers.Inagarage,mountoneonawallwithin24"ofaGFCIreceptacleandatleast12"offthefloor.Onanoutdoorreceptacleonawallorapost,mountthetransformeronthesamepostoranadjacentpostatleast12"offthegroundandnotmorethan24"fromthereceptacle.
Drillaholethroughthewallorrimjoistforthelow-voltagecableandanysensorstopassthrough.Ifacircuitbeginsinahigh-trafficarea,protectthecablebyrunningitthroughashortpieceofPVCpipeorconduit,andthenintotheshallowtrench.
Attachtheendofthelow-voltagewiretotheterminalsonthetransformer.Makesurethatbothstrandsofwireareheldtightlybytheirterminalscrews.
TransformersusuallyhaveasimplemechanismthatallowsyoutosettimesforthelightstocomeONandgoOFFautomatically.Setthesetimesbeforehangingthetransformer.
Manylow-voltagelightfixturesaremodular,consistingofaspikedbase,arisertube,andalamp.Ontheseunits,feedthewiresandthewireconnectorfromthelightsectiondownthroughtherisertubeandintothebase.
Takeaparttheconnectorboxandinserttheendsofthefixturewireandthelow-voltagelandscapecableintoit.Puncturethewireendswiththeconnectorboxleads.Reassembletheconnectorbox.
Feedthewireconnectorbackintothelightbaseandattachittothelampholderaccordingtodirections.Installthelow-voltagelightbulb.
Assemblethefixturepartsthatcoverthebulb,includingthelenscapandreflectororthecap.
Layoutthelights,withthewiresattached,inthepatternyouhavechosen.Thencutthesodbetweenfixtureswithaspade.Pushthebladeatleast6"deepandpryopenaseambyrockingthebladebackandforth.
Gentlyforcethecableintotheslotformedbythespade;don’ttearthewireinsulation.Apaintstick(oracedarshingle)isagoodtoolforthisjob.Pushthewiretothebottomoftheslot.
Firmlypushthelightintotheslotinthesod.Ifthelampdoesn’tseatproperly,pullitoutandcutanotherslotatarightangletothefirstandtryagain.
Oncethelampisstabilized,tuckanyextrawireintotheslotusingthepaintstick.Nopartofthewireshouldbeexposedwhenyouaredonewiththejob.
Motion-SensingFloodlights
Mosthousesandgarageshavefloodlightsontheirexteriors.Youcaneasilyupgradethesefixturessothattheyprovideadditionalsecuritybyreplacingthemwithmotion-sensingfloodlights.Motion-sensingfloodscanbesetuptodetectmotioninaspecificarea—likeawalkwayordriveway—andthencastlightintothatarea.Andtherearefewthingsintruderslikelessthanthespotlight.Theselightstypicallyhavetimersthatallowyoutocontrolhowlongthelightstaysonandphotosensorsthatpreventthelightfromcomingonduringtheday.
Tools&Materials
CircuittesterJigsawFishtapeScrewdriversWirecutterCableripperWirestripperCaulkgunMotion-sensingfloodlightfixtureElectricalboxNMcableWireconnectorsEyeProtection
Amotion-sensinglightfixtureprovidesinexpensiveandeffectiveprotectionagainstintruders.Ithasaninfraredeyethattriggersthelightfixturewhenamovingobjectcrossesitspath.Choosealightfixturewith:aphotocelltopreventthelightfromturningonindaylight;anadjustabletimertocontrolhowlongthelightstayson;andrangecontroltoadjustthereachofthemotion-sensoreye.
Anexteriorfloodlightwithamotionsensorisaneffectivesecuritymeasure.Keepthemotionsensoradjustedtocoveronlytheareayouwishtosecure—ifthecoverageareaistoolargethelightwillturnonfrequently.
HowtoInstallaNewExteriorFixtureBox
Ontheoutsideofthehouse,makethecutoutforthemotion-sensorlightfixtureinthesamestudcavitywiththeGFCIcutout.Outlinethelightfixtureboxonthewall,thendrillapilotholeandcompletethecutoutwithawallboardsaworjigsaw.
Estimatethedistancebetweentheindoorswitchboxandtheoutdoormotion-sensorbox,andcutalengthofNMcableabout2ft.longerthanthisdistance.Useafishtapetopullthecablefromtheswitchboxtothemotion-sensorbox.Seepages41and42fortipsonrunningcablethroughfinishedwalls.
Stripabout10"ofouterinsulationfromtheendofthecableusingacableripper.Openaknockoutintheretrofitlightfixtureboxwithascrewdriver.Insertthecableintotheboxsothatatleast1/4"ofoutersheathingreachesintothebox.Applyaheavybeadofsiliconeorpolyurethanecaulktotheflangeoftheelectricalboxbeforeattachingittothewall.
Inserttheboxintothecutoutopening,andtightenthemountingscrewsuntilthebracketsdrawtheoutsideflangefirmlyagainstthesiding.
HowtoReplaceaFloodlightwithaMotion-SensorLight
Turnoffpowertotheoldfixture.Toremoveit,unscrewthemountingscrewsonthepartofthefixtureattachedtothewall.Therewillprobablybefourofthem.Carefullypullthefixtureawayfromthewall,exposingthewires.Don’ttouchthewiresyet.
Beforeyoutouchanywires,useavoltagesensortoverifythatthecircuitisdead.Withthelightswitchturnedon,insertthesensor’sprobeintotheelectricalboxandholdtheprobewithin1/2"ofthewiresinsidetoconfirmthatthereisnovoltageflow.Disconnectthewireconnectorsandremovetheoldfixture.
Examinetheendsofthethreewirescomingfromthebox(onewhite,oneblack,andonebarecopper).Theyshouldbecleanandfreeofcorrosion.Iftheendsareinpoorcondition,clipthemoffandthenstrip3/4"ofwireinsulationwithacombinationtool.
Iftheelectricalboxisnonmetallicanddoesnothaveametalgroundingclip,installagroundingcliporreplacetheboxwithonethatdoeshaveaclip,andmakesurethegroundwireisattachedtoitsecurely.Somelightfixtureshaveagroundingterminalonthebase.Ifyourshasone,attachthegroundingwirefromthehousedirectlytotheterminal.
Nowyoucanattachthenewfixture.Beginbyslidingarubberorfoamgasket(usuallyprovidedwiththefixture)overthewiresandontotheflangeoftheelectricalbox.Setthenewfixtureontopofaladderorhaveahelperholditwhileyoumakethewiringconnections.Theremaybeasmanyasthreewhitewirescomingfromthefixture.Joinallwhitewires,includingthefeedwirefromthehouse,usingawireconnector.
Next,jointheblackwirefromtheboxandthesingleblackwirefromthefixturewithawireconnector.Youmayseeacoupleofblackwiresandaredwirealreadyjoinedonthefixture.Youcanignoretheseinyourinstallation.
Neatlytuckallthewiresintotheboxsotheyarebehindthegasket.Aligntheholesinthegasketwiththeholesinthebox,andthenpositionthefixtureoverthegasketsoitsmountingholesarealsoalignedwiththegasket.Pressthefixtureagainstthegasketanddrivethefourmountingscrewsintothebox.Installfloodlights(exteriorrated)andrestorepower.
Testthefixture.Youwillstillbeabletoturnitonandoffwiththelightswitchinside.Fliptheswitchonandpassyourhandinfrontofthemotionsensor.Thelightshouldcomeon.Adjustthemotionsensortocoverthetrafficareasandpivotthelightheadtoilluminatetheintendedarea.
ConversionsMetricEquivalent
ConvertingMeasurements
TOCONVERT: TO: MULTIPLYBY:Inches Millimeters 25.4Inches Centimeters 25.4Feet Meters 0.305Yards Meters 0.914Miles Kilometers 1.609Squareinches Squarecentimeters 6.45Squarefeet Squaremeters 0.093Squareyards Squaremeters 0.836Cubicinches Cubiccentimeters 16.4Cubicfeet Cubicmeters 0.0283Cubicyards Cubicmeters 0.765Pints(U.S.) Liters 0.473(lmp.0.568)Quarts(U.S.) Liters 0.946(lmp.1.136)Gallons(U.S.) Liters 3.785(lmp.4.546)Ounces Grams 28.4Pounds Kilograms 0.454Tons Metrictons 0.907Millimeters Inches 0.039Centimeters Inches 0.394Meters Feet 3.28Meters Yards 1.09Kilometers Miles 0.621Squarecentimeters Squareinches 0.155Squaremeters Squarefeet 10.8Squaremeters Squareyards 1.2Cubiccentimeters Cubicinches 0.061Cubicmeters Cubicfeet 35.3Cubicmeters Cubicyards 1.31Liters Pints(U.S.) 2.114(lmp.1.76)Liters Quarts(U.S.) 1.057(lmp.0.88)Liters Gallons(U.S.) 0.264(lmp.0.22)Grams Ounces 0.035Kilograms Pounds 2.2Metrictons Tons 1.1
ConvertingTemperatures
ConvertdegreesFahrenheit(F)todegreesCelsius(C)byfollowingthissimpleformula:Subtract32fromtheFahrenheittemperaturereading.Thenmulitplythatnumberby5/9.Forexample,77°F-32=45.45×5/9=25°C.ToconvertdegreesCelsiustodegreesFahrenheit,multiplytheCelsiustemperaturereadingby9/5,thenadd32.Forexample,25°C×9/5=45.45+32=77°F.
Copyright©2013CreativePublishinginternational,Inc.400FirstAvenueNorth,Suite300Minneapolis,Minnesota554011-800-328-0590www.creativepub.comAllrightsreserved
10987654321
President/CEO:KenFund
Digitaledition:978-1-61058722-8Softcoveredition:9-781-58923-601-1
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Thecompleteguidetowiring.--5thed.p.cm.“Currentwith2011-2013Electricalcodes.”“Black&Decker.”Includesindex.Summary:“New5theditionisfullycompliantwiththe2013NationalElectricalCode.”--Providedbypublisher.ISBN-13:978-1-58923-601-1(softcover)ISBN-10:1-58923-601-7(softcover)1.Electricwiring,Interior--Amateurs’manuals.2.Dwellings--
Maintenanceandrepair--Amateurs’manuals.3.Dwellings--Electricequipment--Amateurs’manuals.I.Black&DeckerCorporation(Towson,Md.)II.CreativePublishingInternational.III.Title:Black&Decker,thecompleteguidetowiring.
TK3284.C652011621.319’24--dc22
2011000820
HomeImprovementGroup
Publisher:BryanTrandemManagingEditor:TracyStanleySeniorEditor:MarkJohanson
CreativeDirector:MicheleLanci-AltomareArtDirection/Design:BradSpringer,JamesKegley,KimWinscher
LeadPhotographer:CoreanKomarecSetBuilder:JamesParmeterProductionManagers:LauraHokkanen,LindaHalls
EditionEditor:ChrisSibellPageLayoutArtist:DanielleSmithTechnicalConsultantandShopHelp:JohnKeaneProofreader:IngridSundstromLundegaard
TheCompleteGuidetoWiring5thEditionCreatedby:TheEditorsofCreativePublishinginternational,
Inc.,incooperationwithBlack&Decker.Black&Decker®isatrademarkofTheBlack&DeckerCorporationandisusedunderlicense.
NOTICETOREADERSForsafety,usecaution,care,andgoodjudgmentwhenfollowingtheproceduresdescribedinthisbook.ThepublisherandBlack&Deckercannotassumeresponsibilityforanydamagetopropertyorinjurytopersonsasaresultofmisuseoftheinformationprovided.
Thetechniquesshowninthisbookaregeneraltechniquesforvariousapplications.Insomeinstances,additionaltechniquesnotshowninthisbookmayberequired.Alwaysfollowmanufacturers’instructionsincludedwithproducts,sincedeviatingfromthedirectionsmayvoidwarranties.Theprojectsinthisbookvarywidelyastoskilllevelsrequired:somemaynotbeappropriateforalldo-it-yourselfers,andsomemayrequireprofessionalhelp.
Consultyourlocalbuildingdepartmentforinformationonbuildingpermits,codes,andotherlawsastheyapplytoyourproject.