I have 2 sensor activated lights with the power source in between the two lights. It is run with 14/3 romex wire from each light source to the power source. How do I make the connection?
Wiring – How to make the connection for 2 lights with a power source between them
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Here's a quick ascii art diagram of what you need to have:
Power source First Light Second Light Switch
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| + white/neutral ----+---------+ | | |
| | | | |
| +-- red/switched -+--------+ |
| |
+------- black/hot-------------------------------+
Between the second light and the switch, you can run a 2 wire line (just replace the red line with the white and tape the ends of the white with black tape to indicate it's a switched hot). However, between the first and second light, you'll need a 3 wire line to handle the hot/neutral/switched combination.
Have you considered a remote for the house end of the garage hookup? I'm thinking a z-wave controllable light switch or something in the garage, and a remote control in the house. That way you can ignore the 12/3 romex and weird wiring (of that part of the circuit) and get on with your day.
I'm unclear whether it's allowed by code (especially with the colors you have), but with 3 wires, you've got enough for a single 30 amp circuit - ground, neutral and hot. Is that enough for the garage? That would at least be safe.
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Best Answer
I am assuming that BOTH sensor-lights are identical with each having their own sensor. And therefore will work independently
You won't need to mess with the third (red) wires. Use what's called a "parallel" connection: Wire-nut the blacks together going to each fixture, Then wire-nut the Whites together. Then the Grounds together. After that, connect the two Blacks to the black lead at the source, then the two Whites to the white lead at the source, lastly the Grounds to the grounds at the source.
If you don't mind me saying, this is a very basic-type of thing to do. Might I suggest you get a good DIY book at the home-store before you do anything fancy, so you and your home are really safe?
Good Luck!