Howdy.

I have a 50 year old house where the bathroom light shares a common wall with the back of the master bedroom closet. I want to add a pull string light in the closet and tap the power off the bathroom light. The bathroom light is switched and the power comes first to the light and then it's own switch. Can I tap power off this light? If I can, will the power always be on for this closet light (which is what I want).

I have already demoed the closet wall out to install both this light and a new medicine cabinet which in turn will also need power. I am hoping to tap power off the above light for this cabinet as well.

Thanks for any help.

Dave

Sure, the new light will connect to the black and white power input at the light in your drawing.

Keep in mind, any new light installed needs a wall switch, pull chains not allowed. Also, a closet cannot have a bare bulb fixture. Fixture must have a globe or use a fluorescent lamp.

Some things that might help and are code you may not be aware of.

There are minimum distances the light must be installed from storage space in the closet.

Storage space is basically this...
24 inches out from the walls up to a height of 6 feet (or the highest rod). 12 inches from the wall or the width of any shelves from there to the ceiling.

Types and minimum distances from storage space:
1. Surface-mounted incandescents - 12 inches
2. Recessed incandescent - 6 inches
3. Surface-mounted fluorescent- 6 inches
4. Recessed fluorescent - 6 inches

Those four types are all that are allowed.

Not sure what the allowances mean - are these the distance the light must be from the walls? Or the pole?

Also new tactic - on the entrance side to the closet is a light switch for the rooms celing light. Can I tap power from that to another switch and then light?

Update #3:

I have now cut out the back of the closet and enlarged the bathroom medicine cabinet cutout. I have a better view and idea of the wiring.

The current bathroom above sink light has a junction box which has in addition to the wired in sink light, a thick black wire, A white (2 wire) going up to the ceiling and I am fairly sure it goes to the master bedroom ceiling light - I traced it in that direction and another white (2 wire?) going to the outside house wall.

I haven't cracked the junction box yet - not wanting to pull the sink light until I have to. But am I likely correct in assuming the thick black wire is the power, and the other two white wires are takeoffs?

My goal is to wire in another switch and light for the closet. I am looking for confirmation that I can connect the new light and switch to the power in the junction box. If I can, then is the switch and light wired in serial? I plan on taking power off the junction box to the light and then to the switch.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

Latest change of plan - I am unsure if there is power at the existing sink light box and so have decided to tap off from an outlet on the same adjoining wall. I have a diagram worked out and attached here. Can someone tell me if this looks right?

Thanks

Dave

Ok here is the inside of the junction box - there are two groups of bundled and capped white and black wires. I propose to add my 2 wire to these groups - i.e. white to white etc. Am I wrong?

Thanks

Dave

Ok, I was right - the black and white gangs were my power leads and I connected my light/switch to them. Flipped the switch and all is exactly as I wanted.

Thanks to everyone for there help

Dave