Best way to wire from recepticle to 2 switches (1 switch and one dimmer)?

Question

Need to get some good advice about electrical wiring. What's the best way to wire from a recepticle. Want to run about 6 feet from recepticle to 2 switches. One goes to patio light; the other to a switch which will control 3 recessed lights. Thinking of running 14/2 from one switch to the recessed lights and then also run the 14/2 between each recessed box (about 3 feet between each box). I want the recessed lights to all rung off of one switch (will use a dimmer for ta switch). What do you thinki is best way to do this. recepticle to swich one, switch one and two connected together, then run switch one to pation light and swith (dimmer) 2 to the first recessed, which will go to second recessed then from second to the third? By the way I'm thinking 14/2 because its connecting to a 15 amp breaker.
Thanks for all your help.

Answer 1

First - Code requires 3 wire (hot, neutral, ground), and 14/3 should be sufficient. (Some brands label as 14/2 with ground)(Outside lights are in a 'moisture' area!!)

BEST practice is to run from breaker box.

Run from receptacle to switch to switch (parallel the switches), being sure to put switches in HOT (black) lead.
Run 14/3 from each switch to it's associated lights. It is okay to run from light to light so long as it is in "parallel".

Parallel means that each light or switch would have power even if the other light or switch was removed.

Be careful NOT to exceed the dimmer capacity with the lights.

Answer 2

I had to re-read the question several times but I think I finally got it. You're adding a 2 gain switch box that will get power off an outlet. One dimmer will control 3 recessed lights in the house the other will switch a light on a patio. There is really only one way to do it. And believe me you wont find it here.

Answer 3

I think you are picking up a feed at a receptacle to feed two switches, from these switches (one a dimmer) you intend to control three recessed lights and a patio light. Im puzzled is this new lighting your adding? if not how is it fed and switched now? Your best bet get an electrician or at least someone who understands wiring.

Answer 4

Start with a recommendation that you use 12/3 wiring because if you upgrade or connect to a 20 amp circuit it will be safer.
The normal wiring would be to bring supply from the recepticle to the switch box and pigtail the switches to the hot line. Run the wire from the dimmer to the 3 recessed units, using the black wire to carry the power up. Ground each light. Mark the white wire at each connection with black to show it can be hot and connect it to the neutral in the switch box. Run a separate line to the porch light, marking the white at both ends with black, connecting the black to the switch and the hot screw on the light.
Work on clearer writing and fewer errors in composition.