When you have a big room, yard, or porch, you need a lot of light to cover the area. And it’s a bit annoying to turn them on one by one.
What comes to mind is that can you daisy chain light fixtures just like a Christmas tree lighting?
Well, most certainly you can. With a little wire and a heavy-duty switch, you can put any number of light fixtures in a daisy chain.
Let’s talk about the process, permission, and method of daisy chain connection today.
Can You Daisy Chain Light Fixtures?
Practically speaking, you can daisy chain any light fixture you want. Be it in the garden, house, or even on the porch.
The only thing that is standing between a daisy chain and you are your area’s electrical rules. Some regions and residential areas don’t let people living there create a daisy chain due to safety reasons.
As there is a lot to take in and a lot of wires connected with each other, if a safety measure is forgotten, a disaster is waiting to happen. That’s why you have to first take permission from the authorities or you will be fined.
How to Daisy Chain Light Fixtures
The process is pretty straightforward. You will have to have 3 sets of wire on each light fixture.
- The main line.
- The fixture line.
- A third line to the next fixture extension.
Sounds pretty easy? Isn’t it? It’s a little bit more tricky than you think. Here’s a list of things you will need and some tips at the bottom that you mustn’t skip.
- Electrical wire. (According to your need)
- Electrical switch. (Combination of the wattage of the light fixture)
- Wire nuts.
- Pliers.
- Wire stripper.
- Electrical volt tester.
Step 1: Start by measuring the distance between each light fixture. Round up the numbers and add an excess of 6-inch wire to each fixture. And get the required equipment from your home depo or electrical store.
Step 2: Turn off your breaker or main switch. Make sure there is no electricity on the outlet with a volt tester.
Step 3: Run the wire from your outlet to the first light fixture. Take off the fixture and cut off the wire you just put in with an excess of 6 inches. And leave it like that.
Step 4: Do the same with all other light fixtures. You can run the wire behind your wall if possible or even over the wall. In the case of over-the-wall, you might need clips to hang the wires.
Step 5: Strip off the wires you have just put in about 2 inches on each of them using a wire stripper.
Step 6: Connect the neutral wire to the light fixtures’ neutral port/wire. Along with the power line that you have brought along. And then with the hot wire. So there will be 3 sets of wire on each fixture.
Step 7: Do not mix hot wires with neutral wires. This will cause your fixture to be damaged.
Step 8: Secure all wire ends with wire nuts.
Step 9: Connect your switch to the outlet and then to the first fixture’s wires. And turn it on.
All of the fixtures will now turn on with one switch. Your daisy chain is complete.
Tip: Calculate the wattage of the light bulbs you are going to connect. Electrical switches can function from 100W-1000W. Each light depending on its type should be added together and then get the desired wattage switch. Otherwise, it won’t be able to take on so much power. Example: If you have 4 fixtures and the lights consume 100W each, you need a 400W switch. It will be mentioned on the back of the switch about its capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it against the code to daisy-chain light fixtures?
Although there is no rules or policy code for daisy chain light fixtures, it is best you follow up with your electrical technician first. Ad there are different laws in different states, it’s not worth paying a fine for a light fixture.
How many lights can I daisy-chain together?
It depends on the outlet you are drawing the connection from. Normally the number of connections you can put on a daisy chain is 32. This means every pair of wires is a connection, not the fixture.
Can I connect 2 light fixtures together?
Yes. You can create a daisy chain to connect 2 light fixtures together you will need another set of wires and a more powerful switch depending on the wattage of both light fixtures. And then connect both with the extra wire and they will work on one switch.
Conclusion
Connecting light fixtures in a daisy chain might sound like a lot to take in, but if you do the math on a piece of paper before you start, it’s easy as making a sandwich. Always consider the safety options before doing any sort of electrical work. If you do not have any prior knowledge about wires, wattage, and switches, it would be better to call in a professional to do it.
