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View Full Version : Installing new ceiling fixture?


kenb1999
Oct 12, 2011, 12:19 PM
Hello,

I am installing ceiling lights in the bedrooms where there is no ceiling light . I have a switch just in side the door that controls one receptacle in the bedroom. I am going to put another switch next to the current switch and am wondering if I can get my electric from the existing switch or do I need to get it from another source. I see only one wire coming into the switch. Thanks

tkrussell
Oct 12, 2011, 01:38 PM
One cable that has only two wires, white and black at the switch?

If so, there is not a 120 feed there in the switch, and you must go to an outlet or some other 120 volt source.

ma0641
Oct 12, 2011, 01:52 PM
Sounds like a switch loop for the receptacle. Unfortunately, you will need a neutral for the light. The simplest solution, although not liked by everyone, would be to use a swag light arrangement with a plug in the outlet. That way, you can still switch the light from the wall switch. Do you have access above the place where the ceiling box will go? You may be able to drop a line down the wall and then wire off the neutral from the outlet and use the switched side of the outlet with the wall switch.