How do I install two hanging lamps in an outlet that had just one light in the ceiling?

Question

The two new lights were made to plug into a socket but, I want to wire them into the outlet from which a single light hung over our dinning room table. I was told I need a "canopy" fixture or set but, I'm not clear on what I need and how I do it.

Answer 1

you can get a splitter at Home Depot they'll tell you step by step it's not a big deal

Answer 2

A splitter? Nuts! What you are describing is a swag light. As far as the wiring goes, black to black, white to white. If the old fixture doesn't have a bare (ground) wire in it, just tuck the ones in the new lights out of the way( they may not have a ground wire either). Now your choice, let the wires to the new lights show, or cover them up? To cover them up you will have to route them behind the drywall. If you want them to show, in comes the "canopy". It is a cover for the electrical box with a hole(s) in it for the wires to come out and run (usually with decorative chains) to the lights. Now if the wires to the new lights are not black and white. They will be identified. One wire will have a smooth covering over it compared to the other wire which will have a rougher feel to it. The rougher wire will be the white wire.

Answer 3

cut the plug. wire both lamps into the existing outlet. white black and red wires usually represent red= hot to switch,black =constant hot! and well yes white= neutral.
when doing this and using a wall mounted switch, both lights will turn on together.
Above i describe the wiring ,not the mounting bracket.

Answer 4

install a additional socket with two outlets first

Answer 5

be lazy and call an electrician to do it for you, well that is what they are there for, why become an electrician if you ain't gonna be called out to do a job?