Assuming it is a steel box. If youre wiring a new switch youll need to install an electrical box.

How To Wire A Single Pole Light Switch
Wiring a new light switch. Connecting another light to an existing light and switch is an easy electrical wiring job. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box. Run a cable to the light fixture and another cable to the outlet from which youre drawing power. The easiest way to add new light fixtures is to run the new wiring to the existing light fixture splice the wires together as the old fixture was connected and then place a decorative blank cover over the fixture box. Fix old house wiring problems. This is an updated version of the first arrangement.
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. If the light switch has a ground screw on it usually green and at the bottom of the switch connect it now. Probe the existing hole with a keyhole saw to find the horizontal edges of the lath. Adding new light fixtures off an existing light switch. Electrician u 934056 views. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw.
Since the existing light is already connected to the switch and you are not adding a light switch most of the wiring you need will be present in the wall or ceiling. This 3 wire switch loop satisfies the nec requirement of a neutral in the switch box. How to install and use an electrical handy box how to strip the. Learn how to wire a light switch for new construction. With the power coming to the switch and then going to the lights you will notice that there are two black wires two white wires and two ground wires bare wires. This tutorial includes all the steps to wiring a light switch including.
Wiring diagram for a new switch and light. It should be 48 from the floor. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. The source for this circuit is at an already existing light fixture and a 3 wire switch loop run from there to the switch box. You can wire the new wall light fixture into the existing light and have a single switch. Bring old light fixtures wired with knob and tube wiring up to code by installing an electrical box in the plaster wall.
How to wire for and install a switch duration. How to wire a light switch duration. In this diagram a new switch and light are added to an already existing light switch. First of all we should connect the ground wires to the box. 5 new ways to remove a wheel lock without a key duration. Determine a location for the light switch.
Heres how to do it without breaking the plaster and lath. It can be anywhere but if you want it to be compliant with the americans with disabilities act put it 44 inches above the floor preferably near a door. 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.