LED Soffit light Wiring Question

[asphaltgambler]

I have a ranch style house that is @65' long and @30' wide. I want to install LED recessed lighting in the soffit - front and back of house. Most of the ones I'm interested in are rated in Ma. I want to do 6 in the front / 6 in the back off of a single 110v switch.

My question is: What gauge / type wire to run in series for each group? Some of the ones I've looked at are 110 direct in with a driver hard wired / short lead to the light assy. Others have the option of a longer driver cable that is detachable from the light fixture to the driver - allowing you to mount a series of drivers remotely. Problem is the pre-made low voltage cables come in at a max length of 25' which will too short for the longest runs.

I really like the idea of having the low voltage cables run to all the light fixtures from a central box location in the attic where the drivers would reside. But I am unsure if this will pass code.

The other idea is running 2 /14-2 lines to each group, series between those lights and then join them at box to then be controlled by wall switch. problem is I see that as overkill for the amp draw and difficult to work with on each fixture install.

What say y'all? Anyone been through this?

__________________
'07 Jeep SRT-8 - Hauls groceries and Hauls *ss
'85 Guards Red Targa - F@#king Money Pit
'95 Road King w/117ci - No time to ride, see above

[sammyg2]

No help from me, I don't believe in sparktricity

[908/930]

I did LED in the soffit just the 120v ones so I used 14awg NMD90, standard house wire. If you use low voltage wire double check the ratings.

The wire should be rated at least CL2 to be used inside a house.

[look 171]

If you must have recess, then you most likely or easiest way is to run 14 gauge wire and hook it up to a switch (120). Use the little junction box at the recess can and wire nut more wire to the next light and so on. I almost want to suggest using a yard light transformer to power 12v yard lights. I know, I know, the recess look so much better but a surface mounted light will work off that " Malibu" type transformer very well.

What exacly are you looking for these light to do? Light up the side of the house and the path way?

[look 171]

https://www.voltlighting.com/landscape-lighting-12v-hardscape-fixture-undercover/p/VHS-668-BBZ

Put this little guy up the side of the rafter tail and it will shine all night. Program transformer to come on at dusk and shut off at dawn or whatever time you like.


Lots of wire too. https://www.voltlighting.com/landscape-lighting-low-voltage-direct-burial-cable/c/32

This aint no recess lights, but all this can be done within a day. The lights looks good too under there. No holes to drill for the recess can.

If you recess is a must have, I suggest a remodel one without a can. They have commercial ones we used with great success. Let me know if you are interested in their info.

[asphaltgambler]

Yes the ones I am looking at are 'can less'.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Yes the ones I am looking at are 'can less'.

Make sure you get the commercial ones. Some of those cheap Chinese lights suck big time. Inconsistent color, flickers and on and on.

[asphaltgambler]

Thanks - any manufacturer recommendations?

[look 171]

I use a lot of NORA lights. Their FLIN or SURF series will work for you if that's what I think you are looking for? Be mindful of the light output. UNless you want the light color to be white like an office, then I suggest not going over 3000 Kelvin. 2700 is very similar to old fashion incandescent light where as 3000 is the typical halogen, or similar to natural sunlight. Both will work. I just hate the white office look.