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Electrical Question from Adrian about Electrical Wiring for Light Fixtures

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Electrical Question from Adrian about Electrical Wiring for Light Fixtures
Background: Adrian, a Student from Bristol, England
[ad#block]Question: I’m an electrical improver and am about to start wiring a two way intermediate system in a school canteen. There are 15 lights on three circuits ( imagine a rectangle, 3 rows of 5, the first three are emergency fittings on their individual circuit, the next 6 on the second circuit contain one emergency and the final 6 on the last circuit contain two emergencies.) I’m getting extremely confused can you please help explain how to wire it? Thank you

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Adrian.The emergency lighting fixtures should be on their own circuit, depending on the type of light fixture and if they have internal battery backup or an external emergency power source. You must identify the existing power sources for all light fixtures and then apply the wiring for the desired method of controls. Make a wiring diagram will help you understand the existing wiring that you have identified. The control method may simply be accomplished by using lighting relay contractors that can be activated using a switched line voltage or a lower voltage that can be controlled manually, from sensors or automatically from a programmable controller. It project translates into what the client would like to have and if their budget will allow,  or if a safety or security issue will justify the expenditure.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, 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.


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Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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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