I now have 2 ceiling lights on this one switch and want to install two more, could I just splice into that second light to feed the other two lights? Or do I have to do something else? Thanks There is one switch and it is wired with 2 wire type
2007-02-24 01:06:10 · 4 answers · asked by Mike D 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I disagree with 2 points regarding the first answer.
The first point is the answer states to use 14/2 romex. This is correct if your lighting circuit is currently on a 15 amp breaker using 14/2 romex. However, if your circuit is on a 20 amp breaker, you need 12/2 romex. My point is you need to match the existing wire size.
The second point I disagree with is the power being off if the light switch is off. This may not be true. In older homes the neutral was the switched conductor. If this is the case and you just turn off the switch, there will be a live wire in the light box.
Just turning off the switch will also be a problem if the power feeds into the light first and then goes down to the switch. You will also have a live wire in the light box.
Always turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse to a circuit before working on it. Just because the breaker is off or the fuse has been removed, never assume the power is off. Always use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off before touching any wires or electrical devices.
Another point I would like to make is regarding the safest way to disconnect and reconnect your wires. When disconnecting electrical wires always disconnect the hot (black) first, then the neutral (white) and finally the ground (bare or green). When reconnecting your wires always connect the ground (bare or green) first, then the neutral (white) and finally the hot (black).
If you need further assistance, please visit:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com
2007-02-24 01:47:59 · answer #1 · answered by gilchristelectric 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can run a line from the second fixture to the new ones, however, before you do, check to make sure you won't be overloading the circuit. If the fuse or circuit breaker is 15 amp, you should not have more than 1440 watts on the circuit. For a 20 amp circuit, 1920 watts is the max. The rating of the fixture is how you determine the watts, not the watts on the lamp (light bulb)you install. Example: Six recessed fixtures rated at 150 watts each equals 900 watts for circuit calculations. Even if you put a 40 watt lamp in each, you use the 900 watts for the calculations. That way, the circuit will not be overloaded in the future if somebody installs 150 watt lamps. Also, use minimum 14 gage wire.
2007-02-24 03:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are wiring in parallel. Just run a wire from one of the existing lights to the two you want to add on using 14-2 romex w/grround.
Connect the black to black on all lights, and the white to white on all lights. The bare wire is the ground, and they should all be wired together at all the lights.
Remember to disconnect or turn off the power before you do this unless you are really familiar with electricity. If you aren't familiar with electricity, and try to do this with the power on, you may become familiar with your ancestors.
If you turn off the switch on the wall, and the existing lights aren't on, your power is off
2007-02-24 01:13:34 · answer #3 · answered by Bare B 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
check the load on the circuit that is feeding the existing lights, you might overload your breaker.
2007-02-24 13:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by ed h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋