[bsturg]

I am making a light box. I have three light fixtures. I would like to be able to power on the middle fixture independently from the other two. The fixtures are 120V 60Hz .80Amps. What kind of switch will I need? How many switches? How do I get power to the box?

[tkrussell]

If you have three fixtures, and want two to come on together, and the third to be independent of the other two, sounds like you need two switches.

There are hundreds styles of switches available. They will need to be rated 120 volts, and rated for at least 2 amps. You can look at any hardware store for the switch that will fit the best.

How to get power to the box? That we cannot answer with certainty, as we do not know where this light box will be located.

If portable, a cord may work.

Please give more details, such as, your age, your expertise with working with electrical wiring, what this light box will be used for, where it will be located, how will the light box be constructed, etc.

[bsturg]

Thanks tkrussell for your insight. I'm 25, I have no experience with electrical wiring. The light box will be used to expose screens for screen printing, and I'd prefer it to be portable. The box is made of wood with a glass top.

[bsturg]

Thanks tkrussell for your insight. I'm 25, I have no experience with electrical wiring. The light box will be used to expose screens for screen printing, and I'd prefer it to be portable. The box is made of wood with a glass top.

[tkrussell]

I get nervous when someone that does not have any experience with electrical wiring builds something. Wiring can be simple if you know how to connect the wiring, and have the proper tools and technique to make solid safe connections and splices.

Here is instructions how to build a box compete with bill of materials.

An Ultra-Violet Exposure Frame

Do a Google search for "screen printing exposure light box" to find other sites that explain how to build a light box.



Here is another of many:

Create a Light Box for Screen Printing | DoItYourself.com

They all seem to assume you know how to do the actual work.

Taking a wood box and installing live wiring and energized light fixtures can be a fire hazard if the wiring is not done properly.

Why not just buy a pre- manufactured unit? I suppose making your own would be a lot cheaper, but only if you know how to do it. Why take the chance of using a portable unit you made and bring it to a location you do not own, and have a problem and take a chance of causing damage to property, or to yourself or others exposed to a shock hazard?

[bsturg]

Maybe I'm a little in over my head... Thanks for your help... I'll consult my electrician friends