How to Add a Light Fixture or Two

How to Add Light Fixtures: Access to Existing Electrical Wiring, Will the New Light Require a Separate Switch, and an Easier Way to Add a Light and Switch.

Wiring Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: Is there a way to add a light fixture to our existing wiring?

• We are moving into a rental home in August. Our landlords are very open to us updating the space to making it work for us.
• In the main living room and dining room there is only one ceiling fixture in the center of the room.
• Is there a way to split the wires from the center and have some sort of line to the living side and another to the dining side or will we need to have an electrician come in and create new ceiling outlets on each side?
• I hope this question makes sense. Since I’m not familiar with wiring I have no idea if what I’m asking is even possible.
• We ideally want to put a fixture over the dining side and perhaps a ceiling fan or fun fixture over the living side. The room is longer than it is wide.

This Electrical Wiring Question came from: Sharon, from Bloomington, Indiana.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Sharon.

How to Add Light Fixtures

Application: Electrical Wiring for a Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, hole saw and drill motor, drop cloth, a Voltage Tester and a fiberglass ladder.
Typical Materials Required: Type NM Cable or same type and gauge cable as the existing light circuit cable, staples for securing the cable, light fixture cut in box or required well supported fixture box for the specific light fixture, wire connectors.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, access to the circuit wiring and project area, and experience working with light circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit in the panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Modifying or installing additional wiring for light fixtures should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Methods for Adding Light Fixture Wiring

The possibility of adding a light fixture or two depends on a few things, including the following:

• Access to Existing Electrical Wiring
  Does the room for the new lighting have an attic above, or another floor? Attic access will provide the necessary access to install additional electrical wiring. If access is a problem then installing surface wiring channels are a possibility. Surface mounted wiring channels and conduits are available in a few different styles and types which may blend in with some wall coverings.
• Will the New Light Require a Separate Switch
  Access will be required to install new wiring for separate switches, and this again will involve work being done in the attic to install new wiring down to the desired switch location.
• Home Automation is an  Easier Way to Add a Light and Switch
  As long as an electrical power source can be supplied, switching control may be accomplished using Home Automation Devices for Lighting. Many home automation technologies just require a power source to be at the location of the light fixture which will then be controlled by control modules that can be installed.  Installing Home Automation devices presents a variety of control options along with dimming compatible light fixtures. This method of control can be provided using a remote control module for a Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture.

In Review:
Having access to install the electrical power source is the key component when adding a light fixture. Using the existing light fixture as the power source may be an option to extend the wiring to the desired locations and then using home automation modules and controls for switching and adjusting the levels of light.

More about adding Light Fixtures

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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, 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. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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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