Lighting Install Help!!

[Kristang]

I purchased 7 of these for my new garage:

https://www.beeslighting.com/diva-light-led-high-bay/p/LHB-110W-U-50K-D10

I am looking for some guidance and maybe some install pics from someone who is using these. The instructions are very vague. I realize I need to use J boxes to wire them but I'm confused about the dimming wires. I know they should not be run through the same conduit as the high voltage wires so do I have to run 2 conduits from/to each fixture and box? My ceiling will be finished with drywall. Thank you for the help!

 

[Platonic Solid]

Others have run the 0-10VDC dimming wires through the same conduit as the 120VAC line without issue. The 0-10VDC lines do not have to be in conduit at all.

Search this lighting forum for alphalite, greentek, 110W and you'll find lots of various pics of this style fixture. Someone did an excellent video install review, but I can't seem to find the link.

 

[Kristang]

Thanks Platonic. If you find it, please post it. I will search for it as well. Thank you.

 

[pbon]

To meet code, the low voltage wires must be rated as high voltage as the 120v. That is probably 600v. You can buy 600v rated 16 or 18 gauge wire. Costs more but meets code for being in the same conduit and junction box and switch box. Or you can have a separate run to a separate box with low voltage dimmer switch.

 

[Kristang]

To meet code, the low voltage wires must be rated as high voltage as the 120v. That is probably 600v. You can buy 600v rated 16 or 18 gauge wire. Costs more but meets code for being in the same conduit and junction box and switch box. Or you can have a separate run to a separate box with low voltage dimmer switch.

I have 18-2, jacketed. I asked the question of someone at a big box store and they told me I can't run the dimmer wire in the same conduit. I've been given unreliable information from big box stores so many times. I'm surface mounting these. There is enough room in the chassis of the light to house all the wiring so I am wondering if I can just do that and forget about the junction boxes?

 

[pbon]

You can as long as the 0-10v dimmer wire is rated the same 600v as the 120v power wires. Most 18 ga is not, but some is and it costs more.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Found it:

Member howpeculiar made this video (link) and this video (link) of his Alphalite install. He's using the optional surface mounting brackets instead of the chain hangers that come with the fixture.

I know he posted that he ran 18 AWG bell wire with the 120V conduit (post #30 here)

(I have no idea what code has to say about this)

 

[cybrdyke]

A small roll of 18AWG THHN will work for the control wires. Even better if you get it in purple and gray, or get colored electrical tape to color code the wires. They can go right into the same conduit as your power wires since they are 600v rated. They can also be run outside the conduit since they will be carrying less than 12V. An inspector might question why there is THHN outside of the conduit, so be prepared to assure him it's low voltage.
Alternatively, you can use low voltage cables. An 18/2 or 16/2 will work nicely. Technically, by code, these shouldn't be inside the conduit, but many people have done it. The low voltage cables dont need to be in conduit, you can simply pull it through the rafters and walls between the lights and the controls.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Kristang]

Thanks Gentlemen! That helps me a lot. The video was helpful in that it gave me another idea for the j boxes. I think attaching the j box to the fixture might be the best option and then I can run the romex up through the drywall and make my runs in the attic. I will also run the 18-2 into the j box and then up and separate them from the 12-2 so there is no interference issues.

 

[Platonic Solid]

12-2 is overkill for a lighting circuit.

 

[Kristang]

12-2 is overkill for a lighting circuit.

Yes, I know but I had an abundance of 12-2 so I'm going to use it.

 

[Kristang]

12-2 is overkill for a lighting circuit.

Of course I go and say that and now I'm out after running a few more circuits! What size wire would be ideal for the LED lights? I decided to mount the junction boxes to the trusses, come out of the light housing with flexible conduit and attach to the J box.

 

[cybrdyke]

14AWG for lighting circuits.
CD

 

[mm08822]

I would use 14/2/2. One pair for the 120vac and the other for the 0-10v. Forget the cable or external thhn.

 

[mm08822]

To meet code, the low voltage wires must be rated as high voltage as the 120v. That is probably 600v. You can buy 600v rated 16 or 18 gauge wire. Costs more but meets code for being in the same conduit and junction box and switch box. Or you can have a separate run to a separate box with low voltage dimmer switch.

The OP would only need 300v rated cable.

 

[pbon]

Whatever the power wire is rated, right? Whether that is 300v or 600v?

 

[mm08822]

Whatever the power wire is rated, right? Whether that is 300v or 600v?

No, it's whatever voltage rating covers the highest voltage possibly impressed on the conductors/cable.

Although thhn has a 600v rating, the conductor rating only needs to be 300v for a 120/240v single phase service.

There is nothing wrong with using 600v rating but it limits signal wire cabling choices. You'll find many more at 300v.

 

[pbon]

Ok. Thanks for the explanation. I think I paid about $150 for a 500’ spool of 600v Belden 18-2. Probably could have save some money and gotten wire that was easier to work with — the 600v Belden is tough.

 

[Kristang]

Next question about this install. With a surface mount light fixture, what is the proper pass through for the wiring through the drywall?