How do I wire a new ceiling light and switch?

I have a switch that goes to an outlet. I want to add a ceiling light and install a second switch next to the outlet switch. I’m pretty handy? Any helpful tips on the process?

get a bigger switch box if the current one is a 1 gang. switch to a 2 gang new work(remodel) box. you will then have to fish wire to the attic going from switch box to ceiling, through attic, and then to the hole where you will put the light. use a new work box (octagon or round) for the light or if the light is over 15 pounds, get a fan box. after that, just wire everything. you should be able to feed off the switched outlet’s switch. remember to pigtail when necessary.

~~a holesaw is an easy way for cutting a hole for the light. make sure to use a studfinder before you drill.

2 Responses to “How do I wire a new ceiling light and switch?”

  1. Peter Ian Staker, on September 26th, 2009 at 6:42 pm Said:

    get a bigger switch box if the current one is a 1 gang. switch to a 2 gang new work(remodel) box. you will then have to fish wire to the attic going from switch box to ceiling, through attic, and then to the hole where you will put the light. use a new work box (octagon or round) for the light or if the light is over 15 pounds, get a fan box. after that, just wire everything. you should be able to feed off the switched outlet’s switch. remember to pigtail when necessary.

    ~~a holesaw is an easy way for cutting a hole for the light. make sure to use a studfinder before you drill.
    References :
    commercial electrician

  2. Best answer usually the simplest, on September 26th, 2009 at 7:07 pm Said:

    You have to determine where the power is coming from for the outlet switch. Hopefully you have 2 whites on one side of the switch and 2 blacks on the other side of the switch. Then you know the switch is being supplied with 120 V( If there is only 1 white and 1 black the switch just closes a loop and the power is down at the outlet – so if you were to steal from the switch you would only get 60V-or half the power to make your new loop to the second light) Just take a piece of paper and draw a simple wiring diagram(basically circles with a break(switch) in them. You want to supply 120V to the second switch using 2 jumpers(2 short pieces of wire-one black and one white to each side of the second switch -now you have 120 volts at second switch. Run a line up to your new light and hook up black and white. Should be good. Try it before closing up the ceiling or wall just to be sure.
    References :

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