How to Extend Electrical Wiring for a Light Switch

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. © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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.