I am a homeowner whom is self taught in electrical wiring.

The dilemma stems from existing wiring in the home. It is BX wiring. I have a switch that controls a light in a closet. I want to add another light fixture to the hallway right next to the closet. I have access to the box where the switch is wired. I was looking for a quick and dirty way to add to the circuit to add the second light by tapping into the switch and running a wire up to the hallway. However, splitting the switch wires puts the lights in series and only half the voltage is available for the two lights. I am not sure how it is wired at the light because I do not have access. However, it seems that the switch "completes" the circuit as the power is not at the switch and therefore must be at the light. Any suggestions before cut out the sheet rock around the closet light to see the wiring? Thanks.

The power feeds into the box that is supporting the light fixture. It then branches off so that one side of it goes to the bulb and the other side goes to the switch and comes back to the bulb. You cannot tap the line to the switch and put a bulb in it. BX is armored cable. I don't think that is the case that you have.

Like eyecue said. You have a switch loop. You CANNOT tap power from there.

eyecue, many residential places are wired with BX/AC cable.

You would need to get your wiring from closet light.

Yes - it is armored cable (BX). The house was built in 1957 and the existing wiring is all BX. Any new additions I added (and electrician) were all romex 12 or 14.

Thanks for the answers. I kind of figured this was the case but I thought someone had a trick that could work. Looks like I better sharpen up the drywall saw and box knife. Thanks again.

If you are intent on installing a light, cut the hole for the light, you may find you can get wiring from closet light to new light. An hopefully you can get a cable inside the wall between closet and hall. Do work inside the closet, so no damage will be seen.