Run a wire for new light, off an existing outlet?

[joseywales]

I have an existing outlet and want to tap into that to power a ceiling light. I'd need a switch for the light. I'd be ok with the switch controlling the outlet, but would prefer that it only control the light.

EDIT: i believe I can just run hot and pigtail to the outlet, then connect to the switch, so the outlet would always be live. Seems simple. Am I missing anything?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not trying to insult you, but got to Home Depot and buy a book on basic home wiring. Lots of pictures will show you what to do better than anyone here can explain it !

 

[joseywales]

Not trying to insult you, but got to Home Depot and buy a book on basic home wiring. Lots of pictures will show you what to do better than anyone here can explain it !

No worries. I'm sitting at work and just typed it out. After I thought about it, I actually ran one of these in my old house. I just haven't done electrical in a while. To funny, but I already had those books from my first home, so I could probably dig one out, if I really needed to. thanks

 

[matt_i]

Also need to connect the neutral and the ground @ the outlet via pigtails.

In the switch j-box the neutral and ground will also be joined to wiring that leaves that box.

Now that this is all done and its working, its a very good idea to make a sketch and put it somewhere it can be found, maybe taped to the inside cover of the electrical panel is best.

I started a 3-circuit wiring project all in conduit about 3 years ago, stopped, then came back to it in the last weeks. I had an initial drawing but had done some modification to shorten wire runs and never marked that part up. Now with wires poking out of boxes I had to go back and re-do the drawing, took me a few of hours of identifying wires, running up into the attic, to another shop, etc, until I was satisfied I understood where every wire went. All that work could have been saved had I spent 5 minutes marking up the drawing while it was fresh in my mind 3 years ago....you can bet the drawings are accurate and the wires are labeled now

 

[tdott]

Not sure what type of existing setup you are working with.

But if you were trying to run a light off of an existing outlet, you'd have to be able to add a 2nd box so that the outlet and switch can fit in a double box.

Then you'd have to run wire from the switch to the light fixture.

This setup can be used:

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. The outlet is closer to the floor. I'll run from that and mount a switch at normal height. Because of stud location, I'll probably run from the outlet, straight up the wall, and put the switch at normal height, then continue up the wall to above the ceiling.

matt_i, I like the idea of a note. We recently did our basement and I took pictures before and as it progressed. Even with a drop ceiling in the basement, I wanted to know where everything was, how lines were run, etc. Unless I don't like the look of where the switch would go, I like having it directly above the outlet, so it's pretty obvious to anyone what wires run above and below. But I'll still put a note in the closet!

 

[tdott]

Thanks. The outlet is closer to the floor. I'll run from that and mount a switch at normal height. Because of stud location, I'll probably run from the outlet, straight up the wall, and put the switch at normal height, then continue up the wall to above the ceiling.

Sounds like that should work.

 

[BrendanBehan]

The image explains clearly what is needed.
Typically the outlets and lights are on separate circuits which are home run back to the panel. There's no problem running a light off an outlet source, just expect some light dimming when a heavy load hits the outlet.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. That specific outlet provides power to a phone, which I could just as well toss in the trash. I opened the outlet and there are two whites and two blacks, so something else is tied in. I can't imagine what, other than another outlet. It's a first floor room, above the garage. There are no ceiling lights in that room. With this breaker off, I tested some surrounding rooms and everything was still hot, in the garage as well.

There are 5 wires total and the box is rated for 9/14, so I don't think there's any issue adding this

 

[rick carpenter]

Now that this is all done and its working, its a very good idea to make a sketch and put it somewhere it can be found, maybe taped to the inside cover of the electrical panel is best.

I did that recently after we had four boxes reduced to three in the kitchen (we eliminated the cable connection but re-used its box). I wrote up a description that includes pics and drawings. If I ever have to break into the wall later on that will be handy.

 

[joseywales]

Here's a tip that you probably all know, but here goes.

I have a great family and they always offer to help. However, and I'm the same way, standing around does not suite them. So, they don't always want to standby waiting for me to need their help. As they get older, I'll try to involve them more. Anyway, I must not be alone in this, because the LED light I purchased specifically reads, "one person installation". I thought that was funny.

My tip: your electrical panel is in the basement, breakers unmarked, and the outlet you want to shut off is on the 2nd or 3rd floor, no helpers around - plug a radio into the outlet and crank it up. When the music stops, you've turned off the right breaker!

 

[CJ7VFR]

Here's a tip that you probably all know, but here goes....

My tip: your electrical panel is in the basement, breakers unmarked, and the outlet you want to shut off is on the 2nd or 3rd floor, no helpers around - plug a radio into the outlet and crank it up. When the music stops, you've turned off the right breaker!

I do this all the time! This is a great way to be able to identify the correct breaker when it shuts off if you don't have a helper around.

As an addition to this tip, I also went out and bought one of those cheap screw in receptacles that you can screw into light sockets and then plug things into that.

I use that in place of a light bulb in fixtures, with the radio plugged into it, so that I can identify fixtures that are powered by switches. This avoids having to run up and down the stairs checking to see if the breaker you turned off is the right one to shut off the light fixture.

Jim

 

[joseywales]

I do this all the time! This is a great way to be able to identify the correct breaker when it shuts off if you don't have a helper around.

As an addition to this tip, I also went out and bought one of those cheap screw in receptacles that you can screw into light sockets and then plug things into that.

I use that in place of a light bulb in fixtures, with the radio plugged into it, so that I can identify fixtures that are powered by switches. This avoids having to run up and down the stairs checking to see if the breaker you turned off is the right one to shut off the light fixture.

Jim

I have been clearing out junk and have come across at least one of these, thinking what the heck would I need that for. I could never throw it out though. It's now in my "electrical" bag. Thanks!