Adding new light to existing circuit
#1
01-03-16, 10:51 AM
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Adding new light to existing circuit
Ok, so here's my issue.
Trying to run a new light fixture off a single switch. I've done this before at my other property without issue. Then again, that place was built in 2004, and the electrician had a bit of common sense to not make the wiring too confusing (mostly).
This new property of ours is a jungle, in terms of electrical, or at least in my scope of understanding. Built in the early 70's, from what I can tell, the lights (2) and outlets (3) are fed off the same "always on" hot wire. Two individual switches control each light independently. What I am in essence, trying to do, is get one of those switches to control both one of the "old" lights (which is actually a hallway), but also control a new light fixture.
I attached some pictures so everyone has an idea of what's going on.
Trying to run a new light fixture off a single switch. I've done this before at my other property without issue. Then again, that place was built in 2004, and the electrician had a bit of common sense to not make the wiring too confusing (mostly).
This new property of ours is a jungle, in terms of electrical, or at least in my scope of understanding. Built in the early 70's, from what I can tell, the lights (2) and outlets (3) are fed off the same "always on" hot wire. Two individual switches control each light independently. What I am in essence, trying to do, is get one of those switches to control both one of the "old" lights (which is actually a hallway), but also control a new light fixture.
I attached some pictures so everyone has an idea of what's going on.
#3
01-03-16, 11:23 AM
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Welcome to the forums.
I've labeled the wiring you have there.
You want to add a second light to that existing light...... correct ?
I've labeled the wiring you have there.
You want to add a second light to that existing light...... correct ?
Last edited by ray2047; 01-03-16 at 01:04 PM. Reason: Eliminated comment on a comment of mine since deleted.
#4
01-03-16, 11:43 AM
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Hi there, yes, I'd like to add a second light to the existing light.
Here's some pictures of the light switches. The tri-gang box, the furthest one on the right, controls the light that I'm trying to add another one on it. Simple two-pole switch affairs for both.
(The switch for the other light that shouldn't affect my circuit.)
(The switch in question which controls the light socket above is the one furthest to the right.)
Here's some pictures of the light switches. The tri-gang box, the furthest one on the right, controls the light that I'm trying to add another one on it. Simple two-pole switch affairs for both.
(The switch for the other light that shouldn't affect my circuit.)
(The switch in question which controls the light socket above is the one furthest to the right.)
#5
01-03-16, 11:52 AM
Group Moderator
As long as you want your new light to operate the same as the one in the picture.....
Remove the two white wires from the fixture.
Connect your new white wire to those two wires.
Add a new, short piece of white wire to go from that splice back to the light.
Remove the black wire from the light.
Connect your new black wire to that black wire.
Add a new, short piece of black wire to go from splice back to the light.
Attachment 61004
Remove the two white wires from the fixture.
Connect your new white wire to those two wires.
Add a new, short piece of white wire to go from that splice back to the light.
Remove the black wire from the light.
Connect your new black wire to that black wire.
Add a new, short piece of black wire to go from splice back to the light.
Attachment 61004
#6
01-03-16, 01:14 PM
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So, you know what they say about checking, double checking, and triple checking???
I had done exactly what you said earlier with the pigtails, but for my life, could not figure out why it wouldn't turn on. Ripped it all apart to diagnose, was pulling my hair...
Then after a coffee break, realized I left the switch in the off position...
It's now working flawlessly.
I had done exactly what you said earlier with the pigtails, but for my life, could not figure out why it wouldn't turn on. Ripped it all apart to diagnose, was pulling my hair...
Then after a coffee break, realized I left the switch in the off position...
It's now working flawlessly.
#7
01-03-16, 01:18 PM
Group Moderator
