How to Extend Electrical Wiring for a Light Switch
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Wiring a Light Switch – How to Add Electrical Wiring for a Outlet and a Light Switch and Extending the Electrical Circuit Wiring for an Outlet and Light Switch. |
How to Add Electrical Wiring for a Outlet and Light Switch
Electrical Question: How can I put a junction box into the circuit wiring before a light fixture so I can add an outlet light and switch.
- I would like to continue an electrical circuit by adding another outlet and a light switch and light, and I have run into a problem.
- The only access to the end of a circuit I can tap into is from a 3way light fixture.
- The existing 3-way switch has the power coming into it and then to the light and then to the second switch.
- My question is, is there a option of how to put a junction box on the wire before it hits the light because I would like to have continuous power to future outlet and light and switch.
- I don’t want the new branch to be controlled by the 2 existing switches.
Thanks.
This electrical question came from: Jake, a Handyman from New York, NY.
Electrical Answer:
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jake.
How to Add Electrical Wiring for a Outlet and Light Switch
Application: Adding Electrical Circuit Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Extending Electrical Circuit Wiring for an Outlet and Light Switch
Common Problem when Installing Circuit Wiring from a Light Switch
- Extending Electrical Circuit Wiring
Jake, you cannot extend the wiring form the light fixture that is controlled by the two three way switches unless the switch box is the location of the power source. - Adding onto an Electrical Circuit
To add circuit wiring for another light switch or outlet a power source must be located which contains a circuit power source which includes the white neutral wire, the black power wire and the ground wire. - Locating a Power Source
With this question, it may be best to extend circuit power from another source, such as a wall outlet or a wall switch that has both a neutral and hot as needed for the continuous power source. - Available Circuit Capacity
The circuit must have available capacity to provide additional power for the devices that will be added. - Electric Circuit Cable Type
When extending an electrical circuit the cable type and size must be the same as the existing circuit wiring that will be spliced into.
More about Electrical Circuit Wiring and Wiring Diagrams
- Electrical outlet wiring
- Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home is installed. - Electrical Circuits
- Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required. - Electrical wire
- Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines. - Electric Junction Boxes
- Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
Electric Circuit Wiring
- Electrical Circuit Wiring
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
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Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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. |
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This is crazy I have two circuits coming into a 1 gang shallow outlet box, circuit #6 is on the top outlet. This is in the middle of a run as it goes to a junction box then another outlet. The hot wire from main panel, then the hot from the junction box share same pole. White to junction box on opposite of that pole.
The bottom outlet has hot from main panel from circuit 8 and white from panel for circuit 8 plus a ground. It looks like then that this is a shared neutral.
My question is how do I tap into this outlet for hard wire under cabinet lighting. It’s the most convenient source to get to. The next closest power source is the main room light which is on a 3 way switch. I am completely stumped.
Thanks
Hi Albert,
What you have described is known as a Multi-Wire Circuit, which is where two circuits from different phases or buss share the same neutral. You can tap into one of these circuits as long as the circuit has the available amperage and the neutral remains under the amperage rating of the circuit wiring conductor.
Keep in mind that the circuit breakers that provide the power for these two circuits, circuits #6 and #8 should have a tie bar across the two breaker handles. The reason is because both of these circuit must be OFF before working on the circuit wiring to eliminate any voltage potential on the neutral wire.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
I am replacing a bathroom exhaust fan located in the ceiling. The existing electrical wire will not reach the new exhaust fan. Can I extend the wire by installing a junction box which will end up behind the ceiling dry wall?
Hi Jerry,
I understand your wiring problem and this may help you: If the added junction box will be accessible from the attic space then this method is allowed. However, if the junction box will be inaccessible then it is not allowed.
How to Make the Wire Longer
You may want to see if you can reconfigure the path of the cable by removing the cable staples, which may allow you to get a little more length from the wire so it reaches the new exhaust fan. Make sure the cable is well protected, and then secure the cable in place.
Enjoy your new exhaust fan,
Dave