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View Full Version : Adding new light fixtures to existing switch


1099669
Nov 7, 2008, 07:41 PM
I am trying to add 3 pendant lights to the same switch as a light in the room. The power source runs to the light first, then to the switch. I tapped into the wire from the switch to the light. I connected whites to whites, blacks to blacks, and grounds to grounds. Now the pre-existing light fixture is constantly on and no power is running to the new pendant lighting. The switch does not control anything now. I would like to have the switch control all of the lights at once. Please help if you can.

hkstroud
Nov 7, 2008, 09:33 PM
Well, you did it wrong. There is no neutral at the switch when power comes into the fixture. Wire as below.

1099669
Nov 8, 2008, 03:56 AM
Thank you so much I will try to fix this in the morning.
Thank you

1099669
Nov 8, 2008, 05:20 AM
Does the wiring for the pendant lighting need to come directly from the light fixture or can I tap into the wire which goes from the fixture to the switch?

hkstroud
Nov 8, 2008, 07:17 AM
From the light fixture.

There is no neutral in the cable going to the switch. The white wire going to the switch is a hot. The white takes current to the switch and the black brings it back, when the switch is on. Your are suppose to put a piece of black tape on each end, (or paint black) of the white wire going to the switch, to signify that it is hot. It is not a nuetral.

Note the connection of the white (neutral) of the pendant to the white (neutral) of the existing light fixture.