Dumb wiring question

[odie]

I am a DIY'er, but when it comes to electrical work, I'm a little slow.

Here is what I have and want to do. Existing attached garage only has two lights on one switch. I would like to add an additional two lights to the same switch. I have access to the attic and all wires, I just don't know how to tie into the existing lights, which wires go where?

Can anyone help a confused homeowner?

Thanks

 

[-JP]

The scope of work is fairly simple but as you admit, your knowledge with electricity is weak. There are several items needed to perform the work correctly such as wire sizing, type of box, correct size wire nuts and fittings you will have to choose from. While it is a simple job, there is still room to screw it up.

I would suggest you purchase one of those basic home wiring books from the big box stores and educate yourself on the right way to do simple task. These books usually do a pretty good job along with pictures to show how to perform this type of work.

JP

 

[neverenoughtools]

Great advice. From JP......... Many years ago I upgraded my electrical service, installed a new panel & completely rewired my cottage. I purchased a do it yourself wiring book to ensure I was adhering to code also as it had to pass the scrutiny of the local elect. Licensing inspector.

 

[odie]

The scope of work is fairly simple but as you admit, your knowledge with electricity is weak. There are several items needed to perform the work correctly such as wire sizing, type of box, correct size wire nuts and fittings you will have to choose from. While it is a simple job, there is still room to screw it up.

I would suggest you purchase one of those basic home wiring books from the big box stores and educate yourself on the right way to do simple task. These books usually do a pretty good job along with pictures to show how to perform this type of work.

JP

I've got the wire, wirenuts, junction boxes, that all doesn't stump me. Its the part about which wires go to what when adding an additional light.

 

[pattenp]

If one of the two light fixtures is on an end run you can go off that last ceiling box by running your new wire to the additional ceiling boxes. The existing last box should only have one cable pulled to it with a black wire, white wire and bare ground wire. You need to connect the new cable white to white and black to black and ground to ground. You then need to attach the fixture via a pigtail back to the cable white to white and black to black. If you are using metal boxes you need to pigtail the ground wire to the box. If you are using plastic boxes then grounding is not necessary to the box. If both of the existing ceiling boxes have more than one cable then you may have the fixture being powered at the ceiling box with a switch loop which makes it a little more complicated to explain how to add the additional lights. With a switch loop you will most likely see a white wire hooked to a black wire which can confuse you if you are not experienced with doing wiring. Like said before it would do you a world of good to get a book on DIY wiring. Your local library should have one.

 

[kkcshipp]

I'm having the same questions, I have the exact same scenario with a 3-car garage. I believe I'll find me an electrician in the local area to run my wire and I'll hang the lights myself. Either that or I buy those LumoLink lights.

 

[HSpencer]

This light thing must be a very common problem. I have one 20 amp circuit servicing five each 4' double tube florescent fixtures. The wattage amounts to about 400 watts. Since amps equal wattage divided by voltage, I figure these lights are using less than 4 amps.
(Am I right so far?)
Now, can I add a couple more fixtures (80) watts to the circuit without overload? Or should I put the new fixtures on a new circuit out of the subpanel? My idea here is to borrow into the last fixture's wiring box and run to the two new fixtures.
BTW: I am in no sense of the word an electrician, but capable with common wiring tasks.

 

[pattenp]

Not right. You need to look at the amp draw of the ballast not the listed watts of the lamp.

Also limit the amp load of the circuit to 80% or 16 amps. You should have room left to add more fixtures.