Change 14-2 into 14-3?

[89MustangGX]

Hello,

I have three bedrooms in my house and several years ago I changed the switch operated overhead lights out for ceiling fans. I used the proper boxes in the attic and the fans are doing just fine, however I have decided I would like to have overhead lights in addition to the fans now (probably change fans for ones with lights on them). I did not change the wiring so it is all 14-2. I would like to have separate control of the lights, which would require 14-3 wiring of course.

My question: Is there a proper single conductor wire I could run that would allow me to keep the existing romex? Or, must I run an entire new length of 14-3 to do what I want?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[pattenp]

Sorry, need new cable. Can't run/add a single wire, not NEC compliant.

 

[Mustang51js]

You can buy a remote kit that will do what you need,some replace the switch while others you just mount above the old switch. You need to install it into the fan but definitely easier to do if it's not easy for you to replace them.

 

[Worsedog]

I have used several of these with good results.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-M...and-Light-Control-White-MA-LFQHW-WH/100576179

 

[electrican]

single story house? you can fish a new 14-3 in the wall, pill out the switch box and shove a fish steal down the wall, tape on 14- 3 and pull it up to the fan box. then put the switch box back in. cap off the old switch leg good to go!

 

[Mustang51js]

single story house? you can fish a new 14-3 in the wall, pill out the switch box and shove a fish steal down the wall, tape on 14- 3 and pull it up to the fan box. then put the switch box back in. cap off the old switch leg good to go!

I normally use a chain and fish it into the pre existing holes so I don't have to swap out box.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You can buy a remote kit that will do what you need,some replace the switch while others you just mount above the old switch. You need to install it into the fan but definitely easier to do if it's not easy for you to replace them.

I've installed some of those where you install the receiver into the fan/light & there's a handheld wireless remote.

Tommy

 

[Mustang51js]

I've installed some of those where you install the receiver into the fan/light & there's a handheld wireless remote.

Tommy

They work pretty good. Only issues people have is they don't mount remote and lose it or they put a couple in and they go on when you turn another on because they didn't set the frequency. The best is when people have condos or town houses and the neighbors remote will turn theirs on because they left the frequency on factory setting lol.

 

[89MustangGX]

Thanks for the help/ideas. I have attic access, that's not an issue, was just hoping I might be able to save a few bucks. I'll look into remotes too now, hadn't really considered that.

Adam

 

[Zeke]

The box mounted switch and canopy controller will give you a dimmer and fan speeds all from the wall on a 2-wire circuit.

 

[89MustangGX]

The box mounted switch and canopy controller will give you a dimmer and fan speeds all from the wall on a 2-wire circuit.

I am looking at that now. I thought it was a remote at first but I see now it is a little different.

 

[n8n]

I've installed some of those where you install the receiver into the fan/light & there's a handheld wireless remote.

Tommy

Rather than do that, Lutron makes a nice little wall switch/module combo that will work over the usual two wires. I don't like remotes, can get lost. Or just repull. You might get lucky and be able to pop the staples on the old romex by giving it a sharp yank from above then use it to pull the 14/3 up. But you probably need to bust the box out anyway and put in a deep box for box fill reasons.