Weird lighting question??

federer · 02-28-2012, 05:23 PM

So I have been googling everywhere but noone seems to have done this??

My problem is i bought 4 lights i want to install in the ceiling in my bedroom. Right now there is a light switch in the room that controls an outlet.

My question is how do I add a line from the switch, and route it up to the ceiling to connect to the lights? My main concern is I don't know how to add the feeder line or whatever it's called from the switch box. The ceiling does not have any existing wiring.

Thanks for any electricians help! I know this is probably super easy for you guys but i am a noob

hammerlane · 02-28-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by federer

So I have been googling everywhere but noone seems to have done this??

My problem is i bought 4 lights i want to install in the ceiling in my bedroom. Right now there is a light switch in the room that controls an outlet.

My question is how do I add a line from the switch, and route it up to the ceiling to connect to the lights? My main concern is I don't know how to add the feeder line or whatever it's called from the switch box. The ceiling does not have any existing wiring.

Thanks for any electricians help! I know this is probably super easy for you guys but i am a noob

Do you want the existing switch that controls the outlet to control the four new lights?

Do you want the existing switch that controls the outlet to continue to control the outlet?

The outlet that the existing switch controls is it a duplex outlet?

If so Does the existing switch control both top and bottom of the duplex?

federer · 02-28-2012, 05:33 PM

if it helps here is a pic. the light switch is left corner and the outlet has a lamp plugged into it currently.

federer · 02-28-2012, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammerlane

Do you want the existing switch that controls the outlet to control the four new lights?

Do you want the existing switch that controls the outlet to continue to control the outlet?

The outlet that the existing switch controls is it a duplex outlet?

If so Does the existing switch control both top and bottom of the duplex?

thank you for your help!

no i just want the switch to control the new lights. the outlet does not need to remain connected to the switch. i dont know what a duplex outlet is? how do i tell? thanks!

federer · 02-28-2012, 05:36 PM

here is the light i got. pretty neat!

daveb1 · 02-28-2012, 05:42 PM

Turn off the breaker that feeds this outlet (which by the way is a duplex outlet). Then remove the switch from the box in the wall ( don't remove any wires from the switch) and let us know what wires are connected to the switch and if there are any other wires in the box.

federer · 02-28-2012, 05:44 PM

how do you know its a duplex? thanks let me go open up the switch

jbfan · 02-28-2012, 05:52 PM

A duplex is just what it sounds like, 2.

federer · 02-28-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

A duplex is just what it sounds like, 2.

oh lol i am stupid

federer · 02-28-2012, 06:01 PM

ok so like an idiot i open up the box without turning off the breaker. the thing goes "SPARK' on me and now the switch is toast

anyways here is the pic i got

looks normal to me. basically my question is how do i add a feeder line from this switch up into the ceiling ???

Techy · 02-28-2012, 06:02 PM

The 'light' you pictured is just a trim, you do have the correct housings as well, correct?

hawkeye11 · 02-28-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by federer

My question is how do I add a line from the switch, and route it up to the ceiling to connect to the lights? My main concern is I don't know how to add the feeder line or whatever it's called from the switch box. The ceiling does not have any existing wiring.

Simple. Turn off power. Fish a piece of 14/2 or 12/2 from the switch to the lights. When the wires are run, we can help you with the connections. Do you have access to the attic?

jbfan · 02-28-2012, 06:04 PM

The bad news is you do not have enough room to add another cable.
I bet the breaker tripped and did not mess up the switch.
another pic stright into the box will help.

federer · 02-28-2012, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techy

The 'light' you pictured is just a trim, you do have the correct housings as well, correct?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkeye11

Simple. Turn off power. Fish a piece of 14/2 or 12/2 from the switch to the lights. When the wires are run, we can help you with the connections. Do you have access to the attic?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

The bad news is you do not have enough room to add another cable.
I bet the breaker tripped and did not mess up the switch.
another pic stright into the box will help.

first thank you guys so much. this place is such a community!

techy-my concern is with adding the feeder. the light fixture i got it taken care of.

hawkeye-thats precisely my question! how do i fish a new piece of the wire from the switch? do i just buy a new line and twist it to the switch wire that's existing??? i know how to make the connections once i havethe wire in place. sorry i wasnt clear before

jbfan-let me go down and check on the breaker to see if it tripped. thanks!

oh the ceiling is already open so easy access. at the ceiling anyways. the wall is closed though

federer · 02-28-2012, 06:11 PM

here is the ceiling where its going. 4 lights total. i need to add junction boxes to house the lights