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.
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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!
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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.
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