Switch wiring question

[justin85]

Disclaimer: I know low-voltage stuff, like data, audio, phone, I know very little about electrical besides the basics.

Got a question about adding on to existing electrical. I have a switched outlet, controlled via wall switch. I want to add a ceiling light in the same room, can I just tap into the power from the switched outlet from the switch box to add a switch, and run the power from there to the ceiling light?

I know this isn't ideal, but its a finished room, and I don't have any other feasible way of running power and a switch to the ceiling light that I can think of. Ideas? Code issues? I plan on removing just enough drywall to remove the single gang switch box, and replace it with a 2-gang box.

 

[jbberns]

Yes, as long as you have a neutral at the box to take to the fan. Shouldn't be a problem

 

[pattenp]

It's okay to do what you are asking. Just make sure you use the same size wire for the run to the ceiling light as used for the outlet circuit.

 

[justin85]

The switch box has 14/2 romex inside, with hot/neutral/ground all in the box, so I know I CAN wire it up, I was basically wondering if its OK, or against code.

 

[jbberns]

Yes, I just did this not too long ago to add a fan in the bathroom.

 

[justsam]

You may not need a double box if I understand what you want to.

There are single gang combo switch outlets in both toggle and decora styles.