Basic circuit wiring question

tigerbalm2424

Can a mid circuit light be powered through a switch? For instance, circuit goes _outlet->outlet->switch box->outlet->outlet_ . The switch box would be used to power ONLY a light. I have found diagrams that show how to wire a mid circuit light through the light but I am unable to find a diagram on how to wire a mid circuit light through a switch box. Is it possible?

Dansbell

We need a little more clarification. I have too many questions to give a good response. As I understand it, you have four outlets and want to put a light in the center of the circuit or a switch between the outlets to power a new light. Where will the light be? Is the light plugged in to one of the outlets?
Will you explain in much more detail exactly what you want to do?

__________________
Daniel S. Bell
Belbuilt, LLC
Cabinet Installation Medford, Oregon

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goose134

I have to assume you are running romex. That said, run a 14/2 up to the light from the switch box. Splice the white into the neutrals from the outlets. The black from the light will go on one terminal on the switch. Now take a 6 or 8 inch piece of black and splice into the hot feeding the outlets. The other end of that short piece will go on the other switch terminal. I almost forgot about the ground wires (bare). Splice a small piece on the ground from the outlets and the other end of that on the green screw on the switch. I hope I've understood your question.

I think it bears mentioning that electricity generally doesn't care which way it is headed. This includes the path that your body provides. Be Careful

220/221

Of course. Your outlet, outlet, switch, outlet scenario is in every house in the world. You run your power thru the switch box just like you do thru the outlet boxes. The difference is in the MAKE UP.

You run a switch leg going from the switch to the light. You tie all the whites together, you tie the hot blacks together leaving a pigtail.

The switch connects/disconnects the black wire leading to the light.

tigerbalm2424

Like this? (obviously the wires are connected within the switch box )

Piedmont

Exactly, I started to draw it out as it's so hard to explain. But, how you drew it is how it's done. Connect all the whites together, all the grounds together, and then attach the black from your light to one screw of the switch, and then use a short black wire on the other screw and attach the rest of the blacks together like you have drawn.

In your picture, your light should have a ground which of course they all get tied together. If your switch box is plastic, you also need a short piece of ground wire from the switch linking it to all the other grounds. Usually, you have more grounding wires than any other with plastic boxes.

My cute picture is
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1554/switchga3.gif

tigerbalm2424

Yeah, i was in a rush, forgot the ground wire on the diagram! THanks for the help!