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-   -   Wiring for valance lighting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=357818)

  • May 25, 2009, 05:11 PM
    kibby
    Wiring for valance lighting
    Hello I am new to this site so be patient if I don't ask the way I should. My husband and I just moved a wall back in the living room to make it bigger. This in turn kind of created a sort of cubby or cove in the room. We then decided to put some open crown in that area and create a valance lighting. We have already done all the finish work on the wall. (mud, paint, etc.) but we still have to put up the crown. We are wanting to put the rope lighting inside the crown but forgot to install an outlet up high enough to be hidden by the crown. Our dilemma now is the cord from the rope light will have to run down wall (in the corner) and then over to an outlet. I bought an outlet today that had a switch on top and outlet on bottom thinking the outlet was controlled by the switch. But since reading some more on it I don't think this is the case. We have done some wiring before but this was is causing some dilemma. What would be the best way to get these lights plugged in and controlled by a switch. I hope this isn't to confusing, let me know if any one has some advice.
  • May 25, 2009, 05:37 PM
    creahands

    If u have an outlet on wall where crown molding is, u can cut hole for switch 4' from floor in same bay as outlet. Cut hole above molding in same bay.

    Run wire from outlet to switch hole and switch hole to outlet hole.

    The switch will be powered by bottom outlet.

    The switch will control upper outlet.

    Good luck

    Chuck
  • May 25, 2009, 07:10 PM
    hkstroud

    What is above the room you are working in, attic or another room?
  • May 25, 2009, 07:32 PM
    kibby
    I have an attic above this room.
  • May 25, 2009, 07:39 PM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    What is above the room you are working in, attic or another room?
    An Attic
  • May 25, 2009, 07:51 PM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by creahands View Post
    If u have an outlet on wall where crown molding is, u can cut hole for switch 4' from floor in same bay as outlet. Cut hole above molding in same bay.

    Run wire from outlet to switch hole and switch hole to outlet hole.

    The switch will be powered by bottom outlet.

    The switch will control upper outlet.

    Good luck

    Chuck
    This is an option they we were talking about. We were just trying to avoid cutting up the newly finished wall. That is why I bought the outlet and switch combination thinking that the switch controlled the outlet. Do they make anything like that? By the way your answer was very helpful but I am not sure how you do the rating:rolleyes:
  • May 25, 2009, 07:52 PM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by kibby View Post
    This is an option they we were talking about. We were just trying to avoid cutting up the newly finished wall. That is why I bought the outlet and switch combination thinking that the switch controlled the outlet. Do they make anything like that? By the way your answer was very helpful but I am not sure how you do the rating:rolleyes:
    Oh yeah and do you have any suggestions about covering the cord coming down the wall:)
  • May 25, 2009, 08:53 PM
    jerro

    Turn power off to old recept and remove it. On your switch/recept combo. Connect white wire to silver screw of recept, connect black wire to one screw of switch and connect black jumper wire from other screw of switch to brass screw of recept. This will supply power to you recept through the switch. You can buy what is called wiremold to install your cord in. Just ask for it at a place like lowe's.
  • May 25, 2009, 09:05 PM
    hkstroud
    1 Attachment(s)

    From attic, drill holes through top plate directly over existing outlet, desired location of switch and desired location of new outlet for lighting. Drop cable down to existing outlet and down to switch. Another cable to switch and to new outlet. Use "Old Work" boxes for switch and new outlet. While you are up in the attic, look around to see if there is another source of power you could tap into. If there is it should be easy to drop cable to switch and new outlet. The new outlet for the lighting can be in the wall or the ceiling.
  • May 26, 2009, 05:07 AM
    creahands

    If u use the box as guide to make the cutouts, cover plate will cover opening in wall. Will look like every other outlet or switch.

    If u install wire mold, hide it u will have to paint it color of wall. Also u will have to cut a notch in crown molding for wire mold.

    Chuck
  • May 26, 2009, 05:34 AM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by jerro View Post
    Turn power off to old recept and remove it. On your switch/recept combo. Connect white wire to silver screw of recept, connect black wire to one screw of switch and connect black jumper wire from other screw of switch to brass screw of recept. This will supply power to you recept thru the switch. You can buy what is called wiremold to install your cord in. Just ask for it at a place like lowe's.
    When you say connect black jumper wire from other screw of switch to brass screw do you mean from the same screw we hook the first black wire, because the receptacle end has a black swrew and a silver screw and the switch end has a black screw and a brass screw.
  • May 26, 2009, 05:56 AM
    Stratmando

    I don't see a need to tear up wall or use wire mold.
    The switch will be by a cat, drill hole for wire to receptacle, then attic to switch, then attic down wall to fixture.
    I think Wiremold should be a last resort.
  • May 26, 2009, 06:50 AM
    creahands

    Hook black wire to black screw on switch

    Hook jumper from brass screw on switch to black screw on outlet.

    Hook white wire to silver screw on outlet.

    Chuck
  • May 26, 2009, 07:38 AM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    I don't see a need to tear up wall or use wire mold.
    The switch will be by a cat, drill hole for wire to recepticle, then attic to switch, then attic down wall to fixture.
    I think Wiremold should be a last resort.
    I am not sure what you mean by "cat", the wire coming from the rope light is a plug in, so I didn't know if you can still do this. But then again I don't think I am following. Can You explain this procedure again.
  • May 26, 2009, 07:58 AM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by creahands View Post
    Hook black wire to black screw on switch

    Hook jumper from brass screw on switch to black screw on outlet.

    Hook white wire to silver screw on outlet.

    Chuck
    Thanks for the info your answer is very helpful, but I still haven't seen where I can rate it.
  • May 26, 2009, 09:17 AM
    Stratmando

    A "Cat" is a fire stop, commonly around 48" above the floor. A clear shot from their to receptacle and to attic.
  • May 26, 2009, 10:36 AM
    creahands

    Under my post are 2 boxes . One is orange says "rate this answer!"

    Chuck
  • May 27, 2009, 05:07 AM
    kibby
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by creahands View Post
    Under my post are 2 boxes . One is orange says "rate this answer!"

    Chuck
    Mine does not show "rate this answer" it only has a box that says "quote"
  • May 27, 2009, 06:33 AM
    creahands

    Not to worry. If I helped u, that is good enough for me.

    Chuck

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