Wiring question
#1
03-25-04, 07:00 AM
Wiring question
We have put a new canopy bed in the bedroom, which required removal of a wall switch-controlled ceiling fan/light. I want to install some recessed can lighting, controlled by the wall switch. Ideally, I would like four cans, with the ability to have two on and two off at the same time. Is there any way to do this without installing a new wall switch to control two of them (with the other two on the existing switch)? The wiring that goes to the existing switch is easily accessible in the attic behind where the ceiling fan was.. but I am not sure I will able to run wiring down the wall for a new switch.
Thanks much!
Thanks much!
#2
03-25-04, 12:45 PM
Did the ceiling fan have a separate switch for the light and the fan? If yes then you can do it with the existing wiring.
If not then tell us how many cables and how many wires go into the switch box. It is likely you will need to add a new cable or replace the old cable from the ceiling to the switch box.
If not then tell us how many cables and how many wires go into the switch box. It is likely you will need to add a new cable or replace the old cable from the ceiling to the switch box.
#3
03-25-04, 03:11 PM
No, the ceiling fan did not have separate switches for light and fan.
It's a real tangle in the switch box, but let's see if I can get it right. There is a green and a black wire that go to the switch itself. There are three clusters of wires entering/exiting the box. Two have black/white/bare, the third has black/white/bare/green... it is that green connected to the switch. The black that comes from the switch is pigtailed with the other blacks.
Am I explaining correctly? If not, ask and I'll give further description.
At the very least, I want to install two cans connected to the existing switch... so my basic question is can I do that with the existing wiring (run what went to the fan to the new cans). Beyond that, I would like two switches, each operating two cans, if I can do it.
Thanks very much.
It's a real tangle in the switch box, but let's see if I can get it right. There is a green and a black wire that go to the switch itself. There are three clusters of wires entering/exiting the box. Two have black/white/bare, the third has black/white/bare/green... it is that green connected to the switch. The black that comes from the switch is pigtailed with the other blacks.
Am I explaining correctly? If not, ask and I'll give further description.
At the very least, I want to install two cans connected to the existing switch... so my basic question is can I do that with the existing wiring (run what went to the fan to the new cans). Beyond that, I would like two switches, each operating two cans, if I can do it.
Thanks very much.
#4
03-26-04, 03:08 PM
Originally posted by mntentman
Am I explaining correctly? If not, ask and I'll give further description.
Explanation was fine
At the very least, I want to install two cans connected to the existing switch... so my basic question is can I do that with the existing wiring (run what went to the fan to the new cans). Yes you can do that. Take the black, white and ground from the old fan and use it for your new lights.
Beyond that, I would like two switches, each operating two cans, if I can do it.
you will need to add new wires to control more light from same location.
Thanks very much.
Am I explaining correctly? If not, ask and I'll give further description.
Explanation was fine
At the very least, I want to install two cans connected to the existing switch... so my basic question is can I do that with the existing wiring (run what went to the fan to the new cans). Yes you can do that. Take the black, white and ground from the old fan and use it for your new lights.
Beyond that, I would like two switches, each operating two cans, if I can do it.
you will need to add new wires to control more light from same location.
Thanks very much.
#7
03-26-04, 06:06 PM
Originally posted by joed
Your description indicates there is power at the existing switch. Yes you can run a new cable from the existing switch location to your new lights.
Your description indicates there is power at the existing switch. Yes you can run a new cable from the existing switch location to your new lights.
Yes, but if I want to be able to operate each set of lights separately, I would need two switches, correct? The existing switch would control one set, using the ceiling fan wiring. But I would need another switch with wiring to the other set of lights, right? If that is right, then I would need power for the second, new, switch... so my question is how to power that switch. Thanks again.
#8
03-27-04, 08:52 AM
The power is in the existing switch box according your previous posts. You need to get a new wire form the existing switch box to your new lights. If the box is big enough for all the wires you can use a duplex switch.
