Hallway lighting- help needed!
#1
04-08-19, 07:24 PM
Hallway lighting- help needed!
Currently I have one light fixture installed in my hallway with a 3 way switch installed at each end. For starters, I would like to know if the current wiring is correct? The pictures are of switch 1- which has only the black 3way cable running to it, the light fixture which contains three different sets of wires and then switch 2- which has the black set of 3 way cable running to it and also a white encased cable with its black attached to the switch and it’s white pigtailed with the 3 way cables black wire.
If this current set up is correct, I’d also like to know how hard it would be to change over from the one single light fixture to two recessed fixtures?
Thanks!
If this current set up is correct, I’d also like to know how hard it would be to change over from the one single light fixture to two recessed fixtures?
Thanks!
Last edited by PJmax; 04-08-19 at 07:54 PM. Reason: added enlarged/labeled picture
#2
04-08-19, 07:51 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
The box on the left contains a dead end three way switch. You have a three way switch loop setup.
I added a picture to your trio with labeling.
Originally there was a single pole switch in the right box. Someone installed the black three wire cable to make it a three way system. That's fine. Any lights you want to add have to go to that light fixture. That box contains a feed in (always live) a feed out to somewhere else and the two wire switch loop.
The light(s) connect to neutral and switched hot.
The box on the left contains a dead end three way switch. You have a three way switch loop setup.
I added a picture to your trio with labeling.
Originally there was a single pole switch in the right box. Someone installed the black three wire cable to make it a three way system. That's fine. Any lights you want to add have to go to that light fixture. That box contains a feed in (always live) a feed out to somewhere else and the two wire switch loop.
The light(s) connect to neutral and switched hot.
#3
04-08-19, 08:23 PM
Thank you! My home is older and the previous owners liked to do a lot of the work themselves, so far everything’s been okay but I sleep better at night if I get a second opinion on the electric. As far as adding the recessed lights, do you think that could potentially be a DIY project or should I just plan on calling an electrician?
#4
04-08-19, 10:03 PM
Group Moderator
If you are comfortable with working with electrical parts then you should be able to install them yourself. Not sure where the junction box is located but it may need to stay. You can tie into it and use a blank to cover it off.
#5
04-09-19, 05:00 AM
Member
Hi, do you have access above that box, and is that where you would like to install one of the recessed fixtures?
Geo
Geo
#6
04-09-19, 06:32 AM
Ideally I would like to install one recessed light on each side of the existing box. The area above is a crawl space, it would be very difficult for me to get up there and work on it from above. My original thinking was that I would pigtail the new wiring to that existing junction box and then run it off to each side and connect it to the two new lights. Am I anywhere close? Lol the plan is to actually install tongue and groove planks over this ceiling, so I really wanted to get the lights done now since I’ll be able to cover Up any damage with the new ceiling.
#9
04-09-19, 08:09 AM
Maybe a two tube 4' LED fixture.
Examples: https://www.amazon.com/FaithSail-Wra.../dp/B07C75SLG9
Or perhaps track lighting.
Example: https://www.lowes.ca/track-lighting-..._g1373462.html
Examples: https://www.amazon.com/FaithSail-Wra.../dp/B07C75SLG9
Or perhaps track lighting.
Example: https://www.lowes.ca/track-lighting-..._g1373462.html
Last edited by ray2047; 04-09-19 at 08:26 AM.
#10
04-09-19, 08:39 AM
I’d really like to stick with recessed since the ceilings are so low. I’ve decided to do the led canless, I think that would be the easiest. I just need to make sure I have the right kind of wire lol I’m thinking Romex 14/2 600 volt and it’s white?
