I would like to run 56 ft of track lighting off of 1 j box?

Question

i have 14gauge wiring, 12 amp, and 12 total lights. Will this work? if not what can i do?

Answer 1

need more info, what wattage is the lights each and what size wire is feedin the j box, im a certified electrician and will answer you correctly once i know this

Answer 2

All of these answers seem to be pretty good. It seems like you will be fine as long as you don't exceed the 100 watt lamps. And I'm guessing you'll probably use even smaller ones. However, read the instructions, and you will find that you can only install a certain amount of feet in a row. The reason for this is not you, it is for the idiot who comes behind you who decides he is going to install 12 more lights, etc. Also, there are safety devices in effect here. Someone said not ot exceed the 15 amps. This is correct, but it should be on a 15 amp breaker, or fuse, and the wire should be gauged correectly, so if you do go over the 15 amps, the breaker will trip. If in doubt, put an amp meter on it to gauge this, as you may have the types of breaker that are crap and don't trip.

Answer 3

What is the wattage of each bulb on the track. With 14 gauge wire that is most likely on a 15 amp breaker. You need to add the total wattage of all bulbs when lit. If you have 12 40 watt bulbs you will be OK. You also said in question that you had this coming out of a junction box, what else is on this circuit, you dont want to exceed 1500 total watts on a 15 amp breaker or 14 gauge wire. If you cant trace entire circuit you may consider having electrician do it for you or adding a seperate circuit in breaker box designated to just your track lighting.

Answer 4

What you have to ask yourself is, what kind of illumination do I require per lamp? You have ( maxxed out ) 12 amps of power available to you without worrying about line heat and your building burning down. SO, let's start with the basics. Regardless of the length of the track, using ohms law for A.C. correctly, you have available 1400 watts. Since you are using track lighting, deduct 10% for connections and length, that leaves you with 1260 watts safe. If you were to use 100 watt lamps in each of the 12 fixtures, you would be safe, electrically, but, the fixtures are only rated for 40 to 60 watts each, so, YES, YOU CAN RUN your 12 lamps from 1 junction box, provided your lamps are only in the 30 or 40 watt range, which is typical in track/mood type lighting. There are various types of bulbs, for these fixtures. They can be very intense, narrow spot beams all the way to diffused, very wide floods. Track lighting is a grand way to show off your house, your wall decorations, your collectibles or anything else that you would like to hilight. I hope this makes you safe, comfortable and knowledgeable. Have fun.

Answer 5

12 100 watt light bulbs pull 10 amps.
14 guage wire is rated for 15 amps
So you will be okay as long as you don't exceed 100 watts on your lamps (light bulbs)
In some states, 12 guage is the minimum size wire allowed. Check local/state codes.

I'm a master electrician.

Answer 6

It depends on the wattage of the lamps. If your running 60W bulbs you'll be OK. If you run much larger lamps then you are getting close to the edge.

Is there anything else on this breaker other than the lights? If so, then you may have trouble with the breaker tripping.

Answer 7

Your good, as long as you dont exceed 100 watt bulbs.