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I removed a wall and have to reposition a light switch on the part of the wall that is left. I have drilled a hole in the joist and sent part of the wiring down but the power to the switch is too short. I also want to add an additional switch to control a recessed light from another switch off the same power. Can I install a junction box in the attic and go from there?
OK, if both power cables will reach either fixture put them there and run cable to the other. If one cable will reach one fixture and the other cable will the other, do that and run a cable between the fixtures. Then run the switch legs to the switch box.
OK, if both power cables will reach either fixture put them there and run cable to the other. If one cable will reach one fixture and the other cable will the other, do that and run a cable between the fixtures. Then run the switch legs to the switch box.
In the original wiring the power went to the switch and then to the center ceiling fixture. Can I put a junction box in the attic with the main power coming in and then feed power to my recessed light and to what will be a ceiling fan where the center ceiling light was and then run wire to the switches from both of those? I did all this in a bathroom a few years ago but having the internet has gotten me confused with everyone's suggestions. Maybe I should just get out my electrical book!!!
I just want to thank you Harold for helping me out once again!
Patty
If the power in cable will reach either fixture box you won't need the junction box. Wiring is basically the same.
You have two power cables, the one coming in and the one going to something else. You said power coming in will reach the new recessed light. Will power going on to something else reach new recess light. Will power going on to something reach fan box.
Tell me these things and I will draw you a wiring diagram.
If the power in cable will reach either fixture box you won't need the junction box. Wiring is basically the same.
You have two power cables, the one coming in and the one going to something else. You said power coming in will reach the new recessed light. Will power going on to something else reach new recess light. Will power going on to something reach fan box.
Tell me these things and I will draw you a wiring diagram.
Here are some pics of what I have. All the white were wirenutted together and all black except for the one with blue tape on it. The black went to the switch and a pigtail from all the other black went to the switch. The wire connected to the box for the ceiling fan is now coming out the new switch location. I am assuming I'll be using the white wire from that as the other black for the switch and changing the connection in the box. I just never worked with power coming into the switch.
Yes it pig tails to the whites, NOT the white switch loop.
Got it Harold. I will paint the ends of the white wires black for both switches so as to not make a mistake. Also the 2 pole switch I bought says to break the fin off to switch 2 separate lights. It has 2 black screws on one side and 2 gold screws on the other side. I'm thinking this is the wrong switch for what I want. It says Do not use to replace a switch that had been controlling a light with only 2 wires present. You don't see that until you open the box up since the directions are on the inside.
Got it Harold. I will paint the ends of the white wires black for both switches so as to not make a mistake. Also the 2 pole switch I bought says to break the fin off to switch 2 separate lights. It has 2 black screws on one side and 2 gold screws on the other side. I'm thinking this is the wrong switch for what I want. It says Do not use to replace a switch that had been controlling a light with only 2 wires present. You don't see that until you open the box up since the directions are on the inside.
Sorry Stratmondo........I thought it was Harold answering me!
You got it Patty. Yes, you will be using the white to bring power to the switch and black to take it back to the light. Does your fan have a light? You will be throwing away that old metal box and getting a extra deep plastic one, to make getting all the wires in the box easier won't you?
Because I don't personally like the 2-in-one switches I would get a 2 gang box and 2 separate switches. But that is just me.
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