» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
Wiring a Ceiling Light from an Outlet
![]() |
By Dave Rongey
|
How to Wire a Ceiling Light from an Outlet
Wire a Ceiling Light from an Outlet.
When coming from a 12 ga. wired receptacle to feed a ceiling light through a wall switch, can the wire from the receptacle to the light be 14 ga or must it too be 12 ga?.
Also, not being aware of the new four wire requirement for ranges and dryers, I had already purchased cut to length three conductor wire before I purchased the appliances.
Can I use the three wire cable I have and run a single wire with it to make it four wire? This is new construction.
Thanks- Woody
Hi Woody - Great Questions!
When wiring from your receptacle to the light, or in any case of extending the wiring from an existing circuit you must stay with the same wire size to maintain the safety and integrity of the circuit protection.
As for the three wire instead of four wire cables, I would advise against running a separate wire to add your fourth wire to the three wire cable. The reason is because one of the wires in the three wire cable is most likely un-insulated and could be used only for the ground which means if you ran a fourth separate wire to make it a four wire set the single wire will not be protected because it should be encased in a protective jacket or conduit.
You could try returning the cable, tell them you made a mistake and see if they will credit you towards the four wire cable. I'm sure they would consider it so they could sell you the four wire cable.
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
|
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
|