Where does the ground wire go? - Page 3

SSSSnakes · 11-21-13, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toothless

I just finished wiring one fixture and box, but noticed the opening where the wire comes out of the box is quite sharp. What do I put there to protect the wire from damage? Right now I just wrapped some electrical tape around it to protect it in the meantime.

A picture would help.

Toothless · 11-21-13, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

A picture would help.

I'll snap a picture as soon as I locate my camera

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I grabbed this photo off google just to show what I am talking about though

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I tried to modify the photo and put an arrow in there, but it wouldn't let me. What I am referring to is those little round tabs that you punch out where the wires exit the box (on the sides).

I plan to look around on google, but like to get advice from living people as well :P.

Toothless · 11-21-13, 04:34 PM

From what I've been reading I need wire clamps where they exit the box? If this is the case, I can pick some up tomorrow morning- have to go back anyways as I didn't buy enough wire.
Hopefully I'll post a few photos later tonight incase something is off and I need to buy more things

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I plan to post photos on here, as well as get my brother in law's approval before I plug it in (he's an electrician- we don't speak much, but I'm sure he'll give it a quick look over for me and make sure everything's ok).

SSSSnakes · 11-21-13, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toothless

From what I've been reading I need wire clamps where they exit the box? If this is the case, I can pick some up tomorrow morning- have to go back anyways as I didn't buy enough wire.
Hopefully I'll post a few photos later tonight incase something is off and I need to buy more things

.

I plan to post photos on here, as well as get my brother in law's approval before I plug it in (he's an electrician- we don't speak much, but I'm sure he'll give it a quick look over for me and make sure everything's ok).

I would use water tight connections because they are smother than the clamp connections.

Toothless · 11-22-13, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

I would use water tight connections because they are smother than the clamp connections.

Thank you. I'll pick those up today. Just found my camera- so pictures later today once I get the third light done and add the connections

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infernalis · 11-22-13, 08:13 AM

Nice job on this one.... (from a facebook user)

Toothless · 11-22-13, 09:21 AM

This is what I have done so far

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SSSSnakes · 11-22-13, 10:38 AM

Looking good.

Toothless · 11-22-13, 11:06 AM

Thanks

. One of the bulbs is a different size- doesn't even work but I just screwed it in there for the photo.

What is the best way to secure the cords to the top side of the board? I don't want them shifting at all so was planning to secure them to the top of the board, then run them through a tube part way up the chain before they exit the enclosure. This should keep any curious monitor claws away from the wires

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SSSSnakes · 11-22-13, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toothless

Thanks

. One of the bulbs is a different size- doesn't even work but I just screwed it in there for the photo.

What is the best way to secure the cords to the top side of the board? I don't want them shifting at all so was planning to secure them to the top of the board, then run them through a tube part way up the chain before they exit the enclosure. This should keep any curious monitor claws away from the wires

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Use wire clamps, they hold the wires in place. They can be nails or screwed in.

Toothless · 11-22-13, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Use wire clamps, they hold the wires in place. They can be nails or screwed in.

Wonderful! Wire clamps it is then!

I'm debating whether I want to box in the lights or leave them as is...He never bothers with the lights, and I think I would feel more comfortable not having anything combustible around the bulbs.

Another quick question (not planning to do this with this one) but is it possible to wire the lights so they all go to one plug or is that too much for the cord/ plug to handle?

SSSSnakes · 11-22-13, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toothless

Wonderful! Wire clamps it is then!

I'm debating whether I want to box in the lights or leave them as is...He never bothers with the lights, and I think I would feel more comfortable not having anything combustible around the bulbs.

Another quick question (not planning to do this with this one) but is it possible to wire the lights so they all go to one plug or is that too much for the cord/ plug to handle?

That is very possible. Have someone find out the amperage of all the lights to be used and then get the wire and plug suitable for that amperage.

Toothless · 11-22-13, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

That is very possible. Have someone find out the amperage of all the lights to be used and then get the wire and plug suitable for that amperage.

I think I may do something like this when I build the next one. Would be pretty nice having a light switch right on the front of the enclosure and be able to turn them all off at once.

infernalis · 11-22-13, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toothless

This is what I have done so far

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excellent.... quality work.

yes you can hook up to 300-500 watts to a single heavy duty plug, anything over 750 watts you may need a heavier plug yet, a typical 15 amp circuit breaker pops at around (just over) 1500 watts of combined draw.

a trio of 75 watt lamps is only pulling down 225 watts.

SSSSnakes · 11-22-13, 06:39 PM

Voltage X Amperage = wattage, So Wattage / Voltage = Amperage. A 14 gauge wire handles 15 amps and use a 15 amp plug end and you will be fine. 3 - 150 watt bulbs = 450 watts., so your amp draw would be only 3.75 amps. This would be plugged into at least a 15 amp house breaker, so you should have no problems.