Examples include adding lighting underneath kitchen wall cabinets where the existing switch will be at the exact height of the new lighting or installing an outside light by routing the cable directly through the back of an existing switch box to the outside. There are various circumstances where it would be convenient to add another light to a circuit and connect that light directly to an existing light switch.
A Guide To Positioning Electrical Wall Switches
Adding another light switch to a room. Wiring the new light. Unscrew the wire nut holding the two black wires together on your existing light. How to wire an additional light to an existing light switch adding a light to a circuit. This is an updated version of the first arrangement. Adding a wall switch to a ceiling fixture can be done in a matter of hours. Take note of which wire causes the tester to light up.
This is the hot wire and the one youll connect to the hot side of the new double switch. The wiring is. Adding a new light and switch decide on the location of the new light and drill a hole through the ceiling at the position where you want the light. Now turn off the power to the switch at the main electrical panel. Check that there is no. How to add an extra wall switch.
Installing a second light switch to allow you to control lights from two locations is a project that almost anyone can complete successfully. The biggest challenge is planning the cable route and running it from the fixture to the new wall switch position. Turn off all power supply to the room in which you will be working. Connecting to a loop in rose of an existing light from an existing junction box or from a new junction box which is probably the easiest way. Next above the ceiling locate the hole which can be made easier by poking something through from below and determine its location to the nearest joist. Home automation is an easier way to add a light and switch as long as an electrical power source can be supplied switching control may be accomplished using home automation devices for lighting.
If the wall is heavily insulated push conduit through the insulation and then feed wires or cable through the conduit. If youre adding a separate single switch this is the wire youll use to power both switches. There are three ways to connect a new light and switch to the existing lighting circuits. The red and black are used for hot and the white neutral wire at the switch box allows for powering a timer remote control or other programmable switch. Because the electrical code as of the 2011 nec update requires a neutral wire in most new switch boxes a 3 wire cable runs between the light and switch. Back at the switch box test once again to make sure the power is off and mark the hot wire with a wrap of black electrical tape.