I have this..and want to add another light w/Pull string

[clarkebd]

Hi-
I'm really bad at electrical, so asking for help. I've tried to document what I have below. I want to add a single bulb light with a pull string (mounted to an inside closet wall). I currently have 1 light with a pull string nearby and it's fed from an outlet (also nearby). I'm hoping I can somehow pull a wire from all of this and maybe route it to a junction box and then feed off that for the new light?

Current single light with pull string. The wire feeds into the outlet as noted:



Here is the back of the outlet box:



Here's how the wires are coming in:




Can I just pull the wire from the current light and put it into a junction box and then run two wires out of it - one back to that light I showed in the first picture and then the other wire to the NEW light I want to put in ?

 

[pattenp]

You can use the box of the light in the first picture as a junction box and split off to the two new light locations as you are asking. You will need to buy a round cover for the original ceiling box. Or buy a new jbox to split from and reuse the original light box in a new location.

 

[VHF]

Can I just pull the wire from the current light and put it into a junction box and then run two wires out of it - one back to that light I showed in the first picture and then the other wire to the NEW light I want to put in ?

Yes.

 

[pattenp]

Yes.

Now that makes me feel silly giving my wordy answer.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You may want to consider using something other than a bare bulb - I don't know where you are located but per the NEC they aren't allowed in closets anymore, you need a fixture with a globe or cover so that combustible materials (like clothes, cardboard boxes, etc) can't come in contact with the hot bulb. You should be able to get something simple and cheap from the local big box store.

 

[justsam]

If I understand correctly, you want to add one light, just like the one you already have, and the existing one remains in place.

If that is the case, you do not need a junction box. You can use the existing light fixture box, as the junction box, and feed your second light from there.

 

[madosta]

If I understand correctly, you want to add one light, just like the one you already have, and the existing one remains in place.

If that is the case, you do not need a junction box. You can use the existing light fixture box, as the junction box, and feed your second light from there.

This. I am confused by the previous replies.

 

[pattenp]

This. I am confused by the previous replies.

Don't be confused. He said he wants to remove the wire from the existing light and run it to a jbox and from the jbox run a wire back to the existing light and a second wire from the jbox to a new light in a closet.

 

[justsam]

I believe the confusion is that he really does not need to add another jbox. He can just tie into the existing light box since it is hot all the time.

It will certainly work with adding another jbox, and perhaps the physical locations make that more practical. If another jbox is added it must be accessible of course and not hidden in the wall.

 

[clarkebd]

Thanks guys for the replies. I did not realize that the black box above the pull string light was a 'jbox' and that I could open it and just tap off that for the new light I want to install. I thought that box was part of the pull string light - shows you how dumb I am when it comes to electrical.

I'm in North Carolina, and that bare bulb was there as part of the original house build back in 1998. Guess it was code then, but I agree, I would like a covered light as we do store X-mas stuff under the stairs (where this light is located).

Thanks again!