electrical
I currently have a 15amp circuit that runs outside to a 4 outlet receptacle that was for a
pool pump which is no longer in use. It was run with #8 wires with a #10 ground. I want to
hook up 2 flood lights with 14/3 wire to that circuit. Can I still leave the 4 outlet
receptacle hooked up. I would have to disconnect the #8 wires and run a pigtail back to the
panel. If so would I need to run the pigtail in #8 wire.
I know it would look weird but is it legal
There's no problem with anything you've suggested. You can use a 15 ampere breaker to protect 14 AWG copper conductors, without a problem. If you feel that 15 amperes is not enough for the receptacles, there is no problem installing 12 AWG wire with a 20 ampere breaker. It's completely up to you what you think is best. If the cost difference is not prohibitive, it may be worth installing #12 on a 20A breaker. Especially if you think you might plug in multiple higher load items at the same time (George Foreman and electric mower for example), or may consider adding additional receptacles in the future.
There is also no problem using a junction box to provide power to different devices. As long as the box is properly installed, accessible, sized appropriately, and adequately sealed.
Nothing in electrical code says that lights and receptacles cannot be on the same circuit. It's more of a guideline than a rule. The general idea is that if the vacuum trips the breaker, you don't want to be left standing in the dark.
The only problem I see, is with the GFCI receptacles in your drawing. You will not need two GFCI receptacles. You'll simply feed the second receptacle, from the load side of the GFCI receptacle. When wired this way, the GFCI receptacle provides protection to the downstream receptacle.
Of the three options you mention, the first is fine; leave the wires in the box, spliced.
The second, no good at all. Splices must be in an accessible box.
Third, also fine. You can certainly blank up the existing box and run new.
I prefer a fourth option; Leave the existing receptacle alone and run a new circuit to a new box. WHY do you need the existing one removed?
Best Answer
You should be able to run your 14/3 wire directly from the outlet box to your new lights. You can also leave the outlets connected as the wire from the panel to the outlets is so oversized. Also those two led lights should not add too much load to the existing circuit.