See my lighting schematic. Overkill?

[woodbutcher80]

Hmmm.
I could always run 12/3 in between the switches, and 12/2 to all 13 lights. That would definitely cover me from overloading one circuit (20a capacity). Those lights are 110 watts each. 13 of them should be around 12-13 amps total. No?

I guess I'm just trying to avoid having more than four switches/gangs at the entrance of the garage. If I alot for 1 20a 3 way and a separate dimmer to turn on all the 13 lights, I need the other 2 spaces for a motion security light, and decorative lights outside.

 

[woodbutcher80]

found this statement in another post:

For 20 AMP you have 20A*120V or 2400 watts and 15 AMP you have 15A*120V or 1800 watts. Good Electricians will only plan for 80% load so you have 1920 and 1440 watts respectively at your disposal per circuit.

i would have 1430 watts with 13 in main garage area. so i could run 14/3 to the 3 switches and 14/2 to all 13 lights and ill be good, all on 1 circuit! ill probably just run 12 gauge to be safe though... also ill run a separate dimmer plate as suggested.

 

[Platonic Solid]

12AWG is a waste. For 13 110W (1430W) light fixtures you only need 14AWG and regular 15A switches. You're making this more difficult and expensive than necessary by jumping to 12AWG and 20A. For the dimmer wires, run 18AWG violet and grey.

 

[woodbutcher80]

Platonic...

In reply #41 you wrote:
Sounds logical, as long as you don't have the power feed of all the fixtures going to that switch.

This was the whole reason i suggested to beef up the wire to 12 gauge.
All 13 will be controlled by 1 15a circuit breaker that is controlled at 3 different locations (3 way switches). Did i not read your response correctly?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Reply #41 was in reference to your prior switch link which was not rated to handle enough load

Lutron DVSTV-WH Diva 8 Amp 3-way/Single-Pole 0-10V Dimmer, no neutral required, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SA9BEJO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed electrician. Recommend consulting a licensed electrician for code compliance in your area.