How to wire up 3 plugs (lights) on 3 separate switches

Stevenanto · Nov 15, 2018

Hi guys,

I have a challenging question for me and possibly a very simple on for you.

I have purchased 8 led shop lights that go into plugs (not hardwired) and also one into another. So i was planning on putting two per switch/plug. So one switch would turn on one plug which will have two lights. I would like to put three switches for three plugs in the same gangbox right by the door.

How would I have to wire the three switches to the plugs?

I tried to google but not luck.

i got this, but not certain
http://starfm.me/how-to-wire-3-light-switches-in-one-box-diagram.html

Im hoping that you guys can help out.

Thanks

Kaizen · Nov 15, 2018

That schematic is correct. but how much voltage are you running on all of the lights together? planning on using 15amp circuit?
you can get fancy using 14-3 but in a small garage probably not much savings.

pattenp · Nov 15, 2018

That diagram is as simple as it gets as long as the power is coming from the switch box. If the power comes from the outlet boxes then it a matter of running three switch loops from the outlet boxes to the switches.

larry_g · Nov 15, 2018

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Broan-Deco...MIlbfcxuvW3gIVUxh9Ch0IfQRqEAQYBCABEgIzO_D_BwE

The above is a triple switch in one package. The one I used has one terminal for the black input wire and then three outputs, one for each switch. There are variations so make sure the one you select does what you want.

lg
no neat sig line

sierradmax · Nov 15, 2018

Also, if the lights are close to one another, you can wire a split-tab duplex receptacle with 2 feeds.

wyliesdiesels · Nov 15, 2018

Is this in a garage?

Stevenanto · Nov 15, 2018

Kaizen said:
That schematic is correct. but how much voltage are you running on all of the lights together? planning on using 15amp circuit?
you can get fancy using 14-3 but in a small garage probably not much savings.

I will be running this from my subpanel off a 15 amp breaker (i believe) i dont think I will add other plugs on the same circuit. they only take 45 watts each. here is a link of the lights i bought. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0739THBJN/?tag=atomicindus04-20

larry_g said:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Broan-Deco...MIlbfcxuvW3gIVUxh9Ch0IfQRqEAQYBCABEgIzO_D_BwE

The above is a triple switch in one package. The one I used has one terminal for the black input wire and then three outputs, one for each switch. There are variations so make sure the one you select does what you want.

lg
no neat sig line

wow that is amazing, I've never seen this, I'll have to check my local stores as I dont have lowes in QC.

sierradmax said:
Also, if the lights are close to one another, you can wire a split-tab duplex receptacle with 2 feeds.

I am not familiar with the term split-tab

wyliesdiesels said:
Is this in a garage?

yes this will be in my garage

Stevenanto · Nov 15, 2018

larry_g said:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Broan-Deco...MIlbfcxuvW3gIVUxh9Ch0IfQRqEAQYBCABEgIzO_D_BwE

The above is a triple switch in one package. The one I used has one terminal for the black input wire and then three outputs, one for each switch. There are variations so make sure the one you select does what you want.

lg
no neat sig line

are you sure that this is for lighting or plugs and not fans for bathroom?

4Kings · Nov 15, 2018

Stevenanto said:
I am not familiar with the term split-tab

It's like a bridge that connects the upper outlet to the lower. If not removed you only need wire one outlet and both will be energized. If you remove the tab, each outlet is independent of the other.

Here's a better explanation.

http://www.electrical101.com/split-receptacles.html

Norcal · Nov 15, 2018

If the lights are cord & plug connected then GFCI protection is required.

larry_g · Nov 15, 2018

Stevenanto said:
are you sure that this is for lighting or plugs and not fans for bathroom?

No I am not. That is why I said in the post "There are variations so make sure the one you select does what you want." Yes there are ones for bathroom fan/lights and others for just lights. You have to confirm your getting the correct one for you needs.

lg
no neat sig line

wyliesdiesels · Nov 15, 2018

Stevenanto said:
yes this will be in my garage

well as said above by norcal, they will need to be GFCI protected

alfredeneuman · Nov 15, 2018

... and GFI must be readily accessible so on the ceiling is out.
The options are to use a GFI breaker, or install a faceless GFI device ahead of the switches, which would add a gang to your box's count.

teamextreme · Nov 15, 2018

Assuming code for ceiling mounted receps in garages is the same in Canada as it is in the US, which I suspect it is.

wyliesdiesels · Nov 15, 2018

aww shoot totally missed that hes in canada

theoldwizard1 · Nov 15, 2018

If this is a new build, install octagon ceiling boxes where to are planning on plugging in the lights. Then buy these cover

Stevenanto · Nov 16, 2018

wow, thanks for the useful advice guys.

Btw i found the triple rocker switch on amazon canada for only 10 bucks! amazing

alfredeneuman · Nov 16, 2018

Are the GFI rules the same in Canada is they are in the US? (Asking for future reference)

Shiftless · Nov 17, 2018

theoldwizard1 said:
If this is a new build, install octagon ceiling boxes where to are planning on plugging in the lights. Then buy these cover

I’m not an electrician, but I thought those covers are no longer approved.

.......................

406.4 Receptacle Mounting.
(C) Receptacles Mounted on Covers. Receptacles mounted to and supported by a cover shall be held rigidly against the cover by more than one screw or shall be a device assembly or box cover listed and identified for securing by a single screw.

........................

This is how I learned it should be done to conform to code.
But honestly, for ceiling light receptacles which are hardly ever going to be touched or stressed in any way, I don’t see a practical reason why the simpler octagon plates wouldn’t be OK if an installation wasn’t subject to inspection.

.
.

alfredeneuman · Nov 17, 2018

1 combination that was UL listed (as an assembly) was the Leviton 5042, but they have ceased production, so Shiftless is right :thumbup:

mrpizza · Nov 17, 2018

That schematic is good. I recommend one of those splice blocks for your grounds, you have to join the 3 switch pigtails plus three runs to the outlets and your incoming ground. Same for the neutral. A wire nut will handle the hot pigtails to the switches.

mrpizza · Nov 17, 2018

I thought if the outlet was over a certain height that gfci wasn't necessary?

alfredeneuman · Nov 17, 2018

No
Even if the garage ceiling height was 100', it would still require GFI protection.

How to wire up 3 plugs (lights) on 3 separate switches

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