I have an outlet and want to wire a light and a switch from the outlet keeping the outlet always hot

Have you ever attempted something like this before?

No

This is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit

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Originally Posted by rekrespite

this is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit

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With power off, Run a 14/2 wire from the outlet to the switch box. Connect the black, white and ground to the respective colors on the outlet using pigtail if necessary for the ground. Fron the switch box, run another 14/2 wire to the ceiling box. In the switch box connect the whites together and the grounds together with wire nuts. Connect the black outlet wire to one side of the switch, the ceiling box black to the other side. Connect the ceiling box black, white and ground to the light fixture. Use a rated ceiling box. Might I suggest a trip to the library for a basic wiring book, on line picture or buying a wiring nook too.

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With power off, Run a 14/2 wire from the outlet to the switch box. Connect the black, white and ground to the respective colors on the outlet using pigtail if necessary for the ground. Fron the switch box, run another 14/2 wire to the ceiling box.

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This assumes the existing circuit wiring is #14.
It may be #12.

Hey brian, I have a question. If the outlet is on a 20 amp breaker would you still recommend 14/2 wire? I'm curious, thanks

Well Stan answered my question at the same time I was asking. Thanks stan

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this is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit

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Then I have to ask, why are you doing this? Why not let the person wiring the house do it?
If you do do this you may have issues with the person wiring the house. Personally I would not allow someone else's wiring, especially someone with absolutely no experience, under my inspection.

There are two methods to accomplish what you want to do.

However, please tell me why the electrical contractor is not doing the work? Is this a residence you are building yourself? Will the electrical contractor not accept a "Change Order" to install the light and switch? Is the dry wall on the ceiling or walls already in place?

Personally, the simplest way to do this is to either connect a cable (14/2 w gnd) (12/2 w gnd) < a 15 amp breaker can use either a 14 AWG conductor or a 12 AWG conductor, however, a 20 amp breaker uses a 12 AWG conductor> depending on the amperage of the breaker feeding the branch circuit.

Run the new cable from the receptacle to the switch. At the switch, open the outer sheath of the cable and cut the black wire. Loop the bare conductor to the ground screw. Do Not Touch The White conductor.

Connect one side of the black conductor to the bottom of the switch. Continue the cable run to the ceiling outlet box. Connect Black from the switch to black on the light. Connect white to the white on the light and connect bare ground to the ground conductor for the light.

That should do it.

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Originally Posted by parttime

Hey brian, I have a question. If the outlet is on a 20 amp breaker would you still recommend 14/2 wire? I'm curious, thanks

well Stan answered my question at the same time I was asking. Thanks stan

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No, must use 12.

12 for a ceiling fixture? Really, where are you guys doing this?

If the outlet is wired in 12 with a 20 AMP CB, you cannot run a 14 off the circuit, has to be 12That was the question we raised 12 or 14?

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Originally Posted by ma0641

If the outlet is wired in 12 with a 20 AMP CB, you cannot run a 14 off the circuit, has to be 12That was the question we raised 12 or 14?

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All jokes aside, Kentucky code allows a "bump" from any source as long as the common meets the box.

So just as a for instance I can pull hot from a stove connection #6 40amp as long as my common comes from the breaker panel (would never happen but I could).

Yes the light could overload but not likely as it would lose ground (it would backfeed the breaker)

My point is I can pull any size wire from any size wire (I don't but I can) If 10 is in the wall and I need a ceiling fixture I am not pulling 10 to it nor 12. I would pull nothing bigger than 14 and it would pass code no questions. Where are you guys that you have to pull what is in the wall?

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All jokes aside, Kentucky code allows a "bump" from any source as long as the common meets the box.

So just as a for instance I can pull hot from a stove connection #6 40amp as long as my common comes from the breaker panel (would never happen but I could).

Yes the light could overload but not likely as it would lose ground (it would backfeed the breaker)

My point is I can pull any size wire from any size wire (I don't but I can) If 10 is in the wall and I need a ceiling fixture I am not pulling 10 to it nor 12. I would pull nothing bigger than 14 and it would pass code no questions. Where are you guys that you have to pull what is in the wall?

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Sorry, I don't buy it. Nope, not even a little bit.

This violates several codes and laughs at the NEC. I wouldn't believe it 'till I read it in a local code amendment, and even then I would question it.

Stumplummer,

What part of Kentucky do you live in? I lived in Garrard County and worked out of Lexington, KY for 15 years.

Absolutley no where were you allowed to do what you were suggesting. All local codes were based off the NEC standard.

What you are stating you are allowed to do will get someone burned to death, at the worst! At the best you can hope for just the total destruction of the property you wire this way!