Electrical Wiring for Closet Light Fixtures
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How to Install Closet Lighting – This method of lighting for a closet is fine because the fluorescent light fixture provides an area that is approved for making the wiring connections and bonding the ground wire to the frame of the light fixture. © By: Dave Rongey |
Electrical Wiring Methods for Closet Lighting
[ad#block]I have 2 small closets in my house that each have a single fluorescent bulb fixture above the inside of the door affixed to the header.
- There is no box, simply a Romex wire coming through the wall (sheet rock).
- I want to change this. I know the header will prevent me from installing a box.
- I haven’t been able to find any fixtures that will work with the current setup. What do you suggest?
This electrical wiring question came from: George, a Homeowner from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
Additional Comments: Great.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question George.
How to Install Closet Lighting
- This method of lighting for a closet is fine because the fluorescent light fixture provides an area that is approved for making the wiring connections and bonding the ground wire to the frame of the light fixture.
- Basically the light fixture has a junction box enclosure installed within the light fixture.
- The wiring methods for protecting and splicing the wiring are to be followed when using this type of light fixture.
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Hi Mary,
Here are a few more options for controlling these two lights separately:
In order to control one of the lights with a separate switch additional wiring would be required. This could be accomplished by installing surface mounted wire mold (which looks nicer than ordinary round conduit).
Another way is to use automation devices as previously mentioned. The controlling devices connect to the existing 120 volt wiring which enable the devices to transmit and receive signals to perform control operations, such as turning light fixtures on or off. The switches serve as transmitters, and control modules at the fixture locations serve as receivers. These devices are easily set up to provide switch control functions. The only requirement is that there is a 120 volt power source at each location.
Keep in mind that the control switches can be installed anywhere there is 120 volts, in fact controllers are available where you can plug into a wall outlet and have the same switching control functions.
Dave
Thanks Dave –
There is a bedroom above the fixtures in the kitchen so the Romex is not accessible. Is there no way just to split the Romex at the switch? Or would a new wire have to be run?
I’m not sure how the automation devices work. I have a ceiling fixture and a pendant light that are running off the same switch. Is it possible to add one of these devices to a ceiling fixture?
Mary,
From my experience you hit the nail on the head, you just got the run around. Now granted, I can’t see exactly how your home is built and if there is access to get to the wiring, but basically where there is a will, there is a way with just about anything. Mary, if you have an attic above your kitchen, then it may just be a matter of fishing a wire down the wall and making a few changes with the wiring to separate the switches.
It would be interesting to note that your contractor is not keeping track of the current improved devices that can be installed to provide wireless or automation control capabilities which work just like the remote controls for ceiling fans and their light fixtures. These devices are available from your local hardware store.
The funny thing is that these devices have been available for years, however most people just never heard about them!
Dave
I have 2 kitchen light fixtures that are currently working off one switch. I would like them to work independently on seperate switches. My contractor tells me it can’t be done because it’s Romex and there is no conduit. I don’t know what kind of Romex it is wired with. I just want to know if my contractor is right or if he is just giving me the run around.