Log in

View Full Version : Installing a new ceiling fixture


Raymonator58
Dec 22, 2008, 05:19 PM
I just purchased a hanging light fixture that I want to install over my air hockey table down in my basement playroom. There is a suspended ceiling throughout the basement.
My playroom is finished with a few light fixtures to the wall and over my bar.
My question is, I'd like to wire the new hanging fixture to either one of the existing light switches on the wall, or to an existing fixture on one of the walls. I don't want to dedicate a light switch just for the new light, as that would mean wiring it up to the electric panel. Can anyone shed some light on this for me ?(sorry for the pun)
Seasons greetings.

21boat
Dec 22, 2008, 05:50 PM
Run wire from existing light that's already on a light switch. Tie the new light in that now both are on the same switch.
Or
Run a new wire from the existing single pole light switch( not the feed side from the switch) and operate new light and old light together

Very few times do we go to the electoral panel to run a new light and make a whole new circuit. Manly we try to find a hot line to tap into that's always hot such as a existing junction box/an outlet/ or splice into a hot wire and legally junction that there for new hot feed to new switch and light. What determines that is know what's on that line and what the combined watts of it he existing line is and watts that are going to be added and the existing Amps that line from the box is.
I Hope this answers your question.
Happy Holidays!

Raymonator58
Dec 27, 2008, 12:11 PM
Run wire from existing light thats already on a light switch. Tie the the new light in that now both are on the same switch.
or
Run a new wire from the existing single pole light switch( not the feed side from the switch) and operate new light and old light together

Very few times do we go to the electoral panel to run a new light and make a whole new circuit. manly we try to find a hot line to tap into thats always hot such as a existing junction box/an outlet/ or splice into a hot wire and legally junction that there for new hot feed to new switch and light. What determines that is know whats on that line and what the combined watts of it he existing line is and watts that are going to be added and the existing Amps that line from the box is.
I Hope this answers your question.
happy Holidays!

Thank you 21boat, I've printed your instructions out and will attempt to do it some time after the New Year. Thanks again for your help, wishing you and yours Happy Holiday's! :)

Raymonator58
Dec 27, 2008, 12:21 PM
Forgot to mention : What I think I'll end up doing is buy some extra wire, and connect the new neon fixture to the closest existing light fixture (20 feet away up on a wall), which already is connected to a wall on/off switch. In other words, I'll just connect the new light somehow to the existing light by marrying up the black with black wire and white with white, as well as marry up the existing and new ground wire. Is this correct ?
If so, the biggest job will be fishing the new wire down the wall about 18 inches to connect to the existing lights aluminum round box behind the wall.

codyman144
Dec 29, 2008, 09:26 AM
Ray,

That sounds right to me, be sure to use the right size wire nuts and that all your connections are really tight. Also, all the connections need to be made in a j-box or outlet box, sounds like you can use the existing one.

Raymonator58
Dec 29, 2008, 10:52 AM
Thanks guys... much obliged ! ;)