By Dave Rongey Summary:
Electrical Wiring Question:
I would like to add an additional security light in a gable end of my home. The attic space is not used and is full of blown insulation.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Thank you! I'm impressed with this website and your willingness to answer questions. John from Dayton, Ohio
How to Wire a Security Light with Attic Wiring Options
Electrical Wiring Question:
I would like to add an additional security light in a gable end of my home. The attic space is not used and is full of blown insulation.
Wiring Option 1
The only clear run I can identify is within the webs of the trusses.
Can wiring be run between the webs of pre-manufactured roof trusses? Will conduit be required?
Wiring Option 2
Connect to wiring of an existing security light.
Run the wire in the eave, up into the attic area, on top of the insulation and to the location of the new fixture (unsecured). Sorry, about the length, electrical wiring is definitely not one of my strong points.
Thanks in advance for your help- Darin.
Hi Darin - Great Electrical Question! Electrical Wiring in an Attic
If the wiring is run on top of the insulation, will this area be accessible?
If so the wiring will need to be secured and installed in an area where it will not be vulnerable to damage.
It is ok if the romex or Type-NM cable is covered by insulation.
Be sure to match the existing wire size.
Let me know if this helps.
Be Careful - Be Safe - Never work on a live circuit!
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
See more House Wiring Videos from Ask The Electrician:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
How to Wire a Surveillance Flood Light How should I provide power for a Surveillance Camera Flood Lights? Wiring for a Surveillance Camera Flood Light, Wiring to an Existing Power Source.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
