Convert Pull Chain to switch controlled

1666 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by pbbum426, Jan 3, 2016

pbbum426

Discussion Starter · Dec 30, 2015

I currently have (1) basement light that is switched controlled and (3) others that are individually pull chain controlled all on same circuit. I would like to make one of the pull chain controlled into switch controlled. I believe this doesn't require too much effort but can't seem to figure it out. Please look at the attached diagram and let me know how I need to wire it to have fixtures 'A' and 'B' controlled by switch while allowing fixtures 'C' and 'D' as they are. Thanks in advance.

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joed

· #2 · Dec 30, 2015

You need to change the cable between A and B from a 14/2 to a 14/3.
Then connect light B to the red wire. Leave the two black wires connect to each other but not to light B.
Connect the red wire at light A to the black on light A fixture.

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pbbum426

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 31, 2015

Joed - Thanks for the response, is this what you mean? I'm a more visual person! I see now how this can keep power going to the other lights, but control it to the two that i want.

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joed

· #4 · Dec 31, 2015 (Edited)

That's it.
You won't need the pull chain unless you want it for over ride to only turn the light on when needed.

To be code you should swap the black and white wire going to the switch. The white should bring power to the switch. The black should bring switched power to the light. You don't want two whites connecting to the light. You had it correct on the first drawing.

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hueco

· #5 · Dec 31, 2015

joed said:
That's it.
You won't need the pull chain unless you want it for over ride to only turn the light on when needed.

To be code you should swap the black and white wire going to the switch. The white should bring power to the switch. The black should bring switched power to the light. You don't want two whites connecting to the light. You had it correct on the first drawing.

Be sure to mark the white wire as hot. I do it by wrapping it it with black tape. I think code requires this remarking to obliterate all the white visible, but I usually wrap a short section.

I don't know about using three wire, but based on your diagram, it is hard to recognize the neutrals from the hot wires. I think you could extend the switched light circuit to another light and just isolate the second light from the rest of the existing circuit.

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Oso954

· #6 · Dec 31, 2015

In a switch loop, the reidentified white conductor should supply power to the switch, the black wire should be the switched hot to the light.
Your diagram has them reversed.

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pbbum426

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 3, 2016

Thanks all for your replies. I was able to get it working as I wanted. Hooked it up like my second diagram, but with joed and others recommendations. Thanks again!

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Convert Pull Chain to switch controlled

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