How to Pass an Electrical Inspection for Recessed Lighting

Electrical Wiring Methods for Recessed Light Fixtures: Installing the Electrical Wiring, Terminating the Electrical Wire, Connecting the Wire to the Light Fixture.

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Electrical Wiring for Recessed Lighting
Electrical Question: I just had an electrical inspection for my recessed lighting project and it did not pass inspection.

• The inspector identified the following problem with the Light Fixture Wiring:
  • Item #17 – Require all recessed luminaire(s) (light fixture)(s) to have type NM cable (Romex) supplying same to be terminated by an approved means. (No cable clamp or connector).

• I’m unsure as to what he may mean by that since after pulling down the recessed lighting fixture, they appear to be terminated properly.
• What do you think the problem may be and how I can go about fixing it?

Thank you.

This electrical wiring question came from Jason, in Springfield, Virginia.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jason.

Common Mistakes when Wiring Recessed Lighting and How to Fix Them

Electrical Wiring Methods for Recessed Light Fixtures

• Installing the Electrical Wiring
  • Wiring using Type NM Romex is a common cable for home electrical wiring.
• Terminating the Electrical Wire
  • The terminating the cable wiring must use an approved method to protect the cable as it enters the light fixture junction box.
• Connecting the Wire to the Light Fixture
  • An approved cable connector is one that secures the cable in place as it enters the light fixture box.
  • Typically a half inch plastic cable connector with a clamp works well for this application.
  • Another alternative for a cable connector is a 2-screw cable connector.
  • NOTE: Some recessed light fixtures, such as the Cooper Lighting Halo Recessed Light fixture, come with built-in cable clamps which serve as an approved cable clamp and connector.

More about Wiring Recessed Light Fixtures

Electrical Wire for Electrical Repairs and Home Remodel Projects

Installing Recessed Light Fixtures

• How To Install Recessed Lighting

• Installing recessed lighting for your home electrical improvements. Discover how recessed lighting can enhance the mood of any room in your home.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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