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    Chris019061's Avatar
    Chris019061 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 4, 2013, 06:04 AM
    Adding light to existing circuit.
    I installed a bathroom vent fan and light to an existing circuit. I spliced into the circuit between the switch and existing vanity light. Now when the switch is on the original vanity light comes on but the new light is off. When the switch is off the original light is off but the new fan and light come on. Apparently I should have pulled the power directly from the original light fixture but there is no way to reach it without cutting into the wall. I'm thinking about replacing the original light with a pull chain so that I can turn it off manually and leave the circuit as is. Would this be a code violation or safety issue?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 4, 2013, 08:38 PM
    I spliced into the circuit between the switch and existing vanity light.
    Please explain how you did that. Sounds like you spliced into the cable between the switch and the vanity light. That a code violation unless that splice is in a box and accessible.

    Sounds like you have a switch loop between the vanity and the switch.

    I'm thinking about replacing the original light with a pull chain so that I can turn it off manually and leave the circuit as is.
    If you have done what I think you have done, that won't work.
    Remove the bulb in the vanity light, bet nothing works.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jun 5, 2013, 03:50 AM
    Do not leave it as it is. Like HK said, you spliced into a switch loop and this needs to be fixed.
    Put it back the way it was and take your feed from the existing light.
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