How to Wire a Switch for a New Light Fixture
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How Can I Upgrade from One Switch for One Light to Two Switches for Two Lights? Adding a Light Switch and Fixture, The Wiring at the Existing Switch Box, Wiring for a New Under Cabinet Light Fixture. © By: Dave Rongey |
Adding a Light Switch and Light Fixture
Electrical Question: How Can I Upgrade from One Switch for One Light to Two Switches for Two Lights?
My electrical wiring project involves Upgrade the Wiring a Switch in the Kitchen of a Home.
- I bought an older manufactured home. I am replacing a light switch for the light over the sink with one of those double tandem switches, which has two switches in one outlet.
- I would like to have one switch for the light over the sink, and the other switch to be used for a light under the cabinet to light the countertop. The problem is that there are only two wires that are connected the old light switch, that is all the wires that are in the box.
- I have tried different combinations of wiring and connections with no luck. Any help that you can give me would be great. Have a good and safe week. Ted.
This electrical wiring question came from Ted, a Handyman in Arizona.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ted.
How to Upgrade to Two Switches In a Single Switch Box
Application: How to Wire a Switch for a Under Cabinet Light.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Switch, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Switch should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Arizona. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Wiring a Light Switch for a New Light Fixture
This electrical wiring project is about adding a light switch for a new under cabinet light to the wiring of an existing light switch.
The Wiring at the Existing Switch Box
From what you have described, the switch box that you wish to connect to does not have a neutral wire. The two wires in the switch box is basically a loop of the power wire for the existing light fixture, which brings the circuit power wire to the switch and then returns the power from the switch to the light fixture when the switch is turned on.
Wiring for a New Under Cabinet Light Fixture
For this project, a separate power source must be provided for the new under cabinet lights where the circuit wires include: the power wire, the neutral wire, and the ground wire. A loop of the power wire for the under cabinet light fixture could then be added to a tandem light switch, or a separate light switch.
More about Electrical Wiring and Switches
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
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Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
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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 are done.
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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.
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