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View Full Version : Can I use Power from an existing switch


jsmitty003
Sep 28, 2006, 09:51 AM
Hello all, I'm new to this site. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to add a new pendent light in the bathroom between two recessed lights, but I would like it to have it's own switch. I want to avoid destroying the drywall or paint, and I don't mean where I have to cut in a new box. I'm talking about, because there is a fireblock to feed the wire up to the ceiling.
Is there a way to take power from the switch that is already in the wall to power the new light switch without having it control or interfere w/ the new light? Thank you in advance for your help!

letmetellu
Sep 28, 2006, 11:28 AM
In some cases a switch to a light is only one romex running to the box and one wire in the romex feeds the switch and the other takes it back to the light. But even if your situation was that there were more wires in the switch box you are still going to have to have a switch leg and a neutral/with a ground running back to the new light.

tkrussell
Sep 28, 2006, 04:14 PM
Sure, but where will the new switch be? In the same box or a new box? If the existing box has a feed, run a two wire cable to it, and splice the whites together, and splice the black onto the black feed.

You now have a feed to extend to the next switch.

OK?