How to access power?

344 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by seharper, Jun 1, 2020

kennykenny

Discussion Starter · Jun 1, 2020

I am wanting to install bluetooth speakers in the ceiling of a covered screened in porch. In order to do so, I am needing to run electrical power in order to power the speakers. Obviously I need power that is on continuously to run the speakers.

I have recessed lighting near, in the patio ceiling, that is run on/off by a switch. I can't run power off of these lights correct?

I have access to "some" of the area above the ceiling to run wire. What are other things to look for in the attic that I might be able to run power off of for my purpose? Since I have some access above, I just thought that it might be easier to go this route vs. having to attempt to run wire up a wall toward the ceiling.

Thanks for the suggestions.

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joed

· #2 · Jun 1, 2020

There is a slim chance It might be possible to get power from one of the fixtures. It depends on how it was wired.

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7635tools

· #3 · Jun 1, 2020

Worst case scenario, you would need to get a wireless switch with wireless relay. Find the first light on that switch and put the relay there. This all depends on how the lights are wired. If they’re daisy chained, then put the relay at the first light and Wire hot and switch leg together in switch box and you’ll have constant power at that light. You’ll need to pull power from the fixture that has the relay. Wireless switch just mounts in the same location as old switch. Typically it’s a momentary on/off. No wires connect to new switch.

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kennykenny

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 1, 2020

joed said:
There is a slim chance It might be possible to get power from one of the fixtures. It depends on how it was wired.

How so? What can I look for to see if this is potentially possible? Thank you.

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joed

· #5 · Jun 1, 2020

Open the switch box and see if you have a white and a black connected to the switch.

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seharper

· #6 · Jun 1, 2020

You know, one of your options is to locate the power supply further away, and then use low voltage wiring to reach the camera. The safety (and installation rules) for low voltage wiring is much easier to work with than AC mains. Wiring that would be a scary hork-a-dork hack with AC mains is perfectly acceptable for low voltage. Like just stapling the wire along a wall edge or sending it through a hole unguarded.

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