Introduction
Using multiple lights in the garage can ensure adequate lighting. But wiring all these lights can be a problem. Wiring the lights in series can simplify the light circuit.
But the question is, how to wire garage lights in series?
First, turn the power supply of the garage off. Then wire one terminal of the switch. After that set up the lights in their respective positions. Wire the first light from a power source. Now connect all the lights in the same process. To wrap up the work, connect the last light with the switch.
This is only the beginning. You have to know a lot before starting the wiring process. Keep scrolling for all the steps you must know!
How to Wire Garage Lights in Series?
Many people prefer wiring garage lights in series because of the convenience of a single switch. By turning on only one switch the whole garage will light up within seconds. There is no problem with determining garage heater gas line size while making the series connection.
You will need cables, lights, and a switch for the project. We will guide you through the whole wiring process step-by-step below.
Step 1: Turning the Main Power off
The first step is to turn off the power of your garage. Never touch the electrical wires while the current is passing through them.
You can turn off the power from the circuit breaker. Just pull the breaker out and the electricity supply will stop. After that check any power outlet with a current tester. If the tester does not light up, you can start the work.
Step 2: Wiring the Switch
The next step is to wire the switch. For that, you have to identify the positive and negative wires first.
There are two terminals in the switch. The number of wires of the power source is two too. But you don’t have to connect both of the two cables with the switch.
Detect the positive one and then join that with the switch. Usually, the positive wire is colored red. Leave the blue wire disconnected. In this way, one terminal of the switch will be empty.
Step 3: Setting Up the Lights
Now it’s time to work with the lights. First, you have to set up the lights in your desired positions.
Remember to keep some cables out of the lights. The lengths of these cables should be at least about 8 to 10 inches. These will come in handy while connecting one light with another. Make sure that the lights are firm in their place.
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Step 4: Wiring The Lights
Let’s do the wiring now. The negative blue wire of the power source that was left unattended will be used now. You will need simple hand tools from any brand like Neiko and Tekton for the work.
Connect the blue wire with the nearest light. It is best to use internal wire tubes. But if you don’t have them you can always use external tubes and they work fine. Connect the source wire with one of the terminals of the bulb.
Now take another loose piece of wire. Join one head of the wire with the unused terminal of the light. And connect the other head of the wire with a terminal of the next bulb. Then take another loose wire and join it with another terminal. Then repeat the process with the next bulb.
In this way connect all the bulbs. The last light will have one unused terminal. Make the connections carefully. Don’t make loose connections because that can damage the lights.
Step 5: Connecting the Light Wire with the Switch
The work is almost done. We have to give the finishing touch now. The circuit will be completed once you connect the light with the switch.
Take a wire and join it with the unused terminal of the last light. The other end of this wire will go to the switch. To connect this wire with the empty terminal of the switch. Then seal up the switch with accurate size screws.
Once you screw the switch, the lights are ready to be used. If you want to hide the wires like hiding door tracks of the garage, use internal wire tubes.
Push the circuit breakers and make sure that electricity is flowing again. Turn on the switch. Hopefully, all the bulbs will turn on together.
These are all the steps of wiring garage lights in series circuits. You can wire all the lights within a short time if you follow our instructions carefully. We have some tips for you below to make your work easier.
FAQs
Question: Do you wire lights in series or parallel?
Answer: The household connection for lights and fans are generally in parallel. Parallel wiring ensures current flow even if one or more components are out of use. Series connection is better for one switch control.
Question: What wire should I use to wire my garage?
Answer: Use 12 AWG copper conductors and 20 amp breakers for wiring the garage. Also, you can pair 14 AWG copper conductors with 15 amp breakers. And you should use outlets with GFCI protection.
Question: Why do some lights have 3 wires?
Answer: Most of the lights have two wires, positive and negative. But nowadays lights with three wires are becoming popular. The third wire is called the Neutral which saves the light from excess current flow.
Conclusion
We have tried our best to answer your query: how to wire garage lights in series. We think that now you have a clear concept for completing the task.
It’s not a good idea to do any electrical work without complete knowledge. If you have any doubt on the matter, call a professional.