[ElijahSK]

I rebuilt an entry way at our front door last week because it had rotted out dew to a leak that was left unattended for quite some time. My parents had a strong desire to add an entryway light on the ceiling. Could this be a DIY project? If so how would I go about running power to it and making it work by a switch. There is already an unused switch in the doorway. Maybe I could tie it to that? Anyway, all advise is most welcome. Thanks

[tkrussell]

If there is a spare switch at the front door, check to see the size circuit and wire, 15 amp will use #14 wire, 20 amp will use #12 wire. Check the breaker rating, do not assume from the wire size.

Run a two wire w/ground cable, that matches the circuit rating, from the switch box, to the light outlet location.Need to install some sort of outlet box, usually a 4" round box, there are several types available depending on the framing in the ceiling, some nail directly onto the joist, and some have expanding mounting bars that allow the box to be centered.

Connect the white at the switch box to a neutral in the box, and the black to the load side of the spare switch, and the bare to the bare or green grounds in the switch box.

At the light outlet, connect the new light, black to black, white to white, bare to bare and ground any metal bar that supports the fixture.

Support the cable within 8 " of each box and every 4.5 feet with cable staples, unless the cable is fished in finished walls. Leave at least 6 " of wire at each box, after connecting and splicing. Splice the wires by stripping and twisting according to the instructions of the wirenuts you use.

Simple enough?