How To Wire A 208 Volt Light Fixture | Safety Measures to Take

The most comfortable lighting option is fluorescent lighting. Although it costs the least to power, many business buildings, museums, and schools continue to utilize it as their primary lighting source. The proper method for securely wiring a light fixture is described in this article. If a DIY enthusiast isn’t at least somewhat confident in their abilities to recognize electronic connections, they shouldn’t undertake this.

Wiring a 208 Volt Lighting Fixture

You will be able to wire your lighting fixture by following these simple steps:

Step 1

The base cap of a light fixture may be removed with a flathead driver. Pull the lens away from the light fixture after removing the end cap. Squeeze the prongs holding the wiring cover firmly in place with both hands. To detach, pull it downward.

Step 2

Find the wiring for the light fixtures and inbound power. Till they overlap, cut them to the same size. Locate the green “ground” connections, and then connect the fixture’s green “ground” cable to the fixture’s body.

Step 3

The ground wire coming from the power source should have its insulation peeled aside. Take the uncovered copper with the wire strippers and curl it into a hook shape.

Step 4

The cable feeding into the casing of the light fixture should have its screw removed. Reconnect the light fitting to the ground wires by repositioning them both below the screws. Make certain that the metal hook’s end is pointing clockwise.

Step 5

Locate the white (neutral) cable going from the power supply. Remove half of the wire from the tip with wire cutters.

Step 6

Find the neutral wire going out from the socket, and then remove the insulation from the tip by 1/2 inch. Put the two exposed ends together and spiralize them with lineman’s pliers. On the ends of the cables, place a wiring nut, and afterward, twist it in a clockwise direction.

Step 7

Locate the black (hot) cable going from the electricity source. Locate the “120/208 volt”-labeled black (hot) cable leading from the socket. Look find the black wire if it isn’t marked. Each black wire should have its insulation removed, then it should be twisted together along with the linesman’s pliers. On the exposed ends of both the two black cables, put a wire nut then twist it in a clockwise direction.

Step 8

Replace the detachable wiring cover plate after tucking the cables into the fixture. Change the cap and lens.

Wiring Color Codes for 208V

When wiring with 208 volts, please follow the National Electric Standards, NEC electrical wiring color codes, or any local color codes.

For 208Volt single-phase, as well as three-phase circuits, the NEC + general practitioner wire color designations, have been applied as indicated below.

Black: Hot 1 / Line 1 

Red: Hot 2 / Line 2 

Blue: Line 3 / Hot 3

White: Neutral.

Green: Ground Wire or Exposed Conductor.

Black, red, as well as blue, are the preferred colors for hot wiring in a 208-volt three-phase system. If a white wire supplying 208V power has been used, it must be covered with black strips or have a tapping wrapped around it. As a result, it is straightforward to tell whether a wire is being used as a hot wire rather than a neutral wire.

Moreover, avoid combining green, green including a yellow stripe, or exposed conductors in cables that transfer electricity. The copper wire may rapidly deteriorate and heat better than aluminum wire when utilized in the main panel box’s wiring.

Safety Measures for Wiring a 208 Volt Lighting Fixture

Always be sure to take these safety measures seriously. It can not only save you from future accidents but shall help you to be better at your DIY experiments.

• Take the power source and ensure it is totally off before doing maintenance, repairs, or upgrades on electrical equipment. To execute this, flip the power switch within the panelboard.

• Avoid standing on wet or metal objects when repairing or installing.

• Read all warnings and instructions thoroughly and follow them strictly while working on this lesson or any other projects requiring electrical work.

• Always use the proper cable as well as wiring diameters, as well as the right outlets, switches, and circuit breakers. Can use the Wiring & Cable Sizing Analyzer to get the correct gauge size.

• For cables transporting electricity, avoid using green, green with a yellow stripe, or bare conductors. Aluminum wires should never be used in the wiring of the main panel box; only copper wire can minimize resistance and heat.

• Never attempt to experiment with electrical lines since it is dangerous and deadly without the correct training and attention. A qualified, skilled person with experience dealing with electricity should be present while installing and making repairs.

• Conducting your electrical work is sometimes illegal and dangerous. Consult a certified technician or even the power supply provider before making any alterations to the electric wire connections.

• The authors disclaim all responsibility if you attempt any circuit in the wrong way or if you experience any loss, harm, or accidents as a result of using or seeing this information. So, please! Use caution since everything is powered by electricity, which is exceedingly harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Do 208v Lights Need A Neutral?

No, in most circumstances, there is no requirement for a neutral and no return channel in a single phase 208v system.

How Do One Obtain 208 Volts?

Volts times the numerator of 3, which is summed off to 1.732, is the equation. The computation for this is 120 volts times 1.732, with the result scaled up to 208 volts for 2 lines delivering 120 volts each. Because of this, it is referred to as a 208-volt three-phase connection or a 208-volt three-phase connection.

Can I Get 208v From A 120v Panel?

Yes, you can. Hook up the CB’s two hot outputting lines to the load location to do this. If necessary, attach the neutral as well. In this manner, a single-phase 208V circuit will be powered up by a three-pole circuit breaker.

Is 208v Single Phase Or 3 Phase?

208V three-phase electricity is converted to 120/208V single-phase. The three-voltage waveform on the three “hot” wires peaks at separate times when examined on an oscilloscope, each one 120 degrees after the other.

Conclusion

Small enterprises commonly utilize this three-phase voltage.  The electricity is delivered in three phases at 208 volts, and the line-to-neutral value is 120 volts. The three Line-to-Neutral lines will each connect to a different area of the facility. So, as you now know how to wire that 208 light fixture, do such DYI with proper precautions. In this way, it is supposed to be done, safely and effectively.