How do I wire a new ceiling light and switch?

Q. 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?

A. 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.

How do I add ceiling lights in my house?

Q. Hello everyone. I had a question about ceiling lights. My living room definitely needs more light and I don't really want to have lamps or halogen lamps everywhere. I'd rather have a clean look with ceiling lights. However, I've never done this before. Someone told me that I would need to make sure that the house was prewired for that. Does anyone have experience with this? Where would I have to go to get this kind of work done? The house was built in 2001. Thank you

A. From your description I believe you're wanting recessed lighting and your house doesn't have to be prewired for it, though you will need to add the correct circuit(s) and wire to incorporate it. I incorporate it into just about every project I do and the key to achieving great aesthetics with it is using the correct size lighting and lighting balance. Where you place this lighting, types, and wattages is key to this balance.

Now, if you're not experienced in lighting or wiring I suggest you hire a professional to work with you on achieving the look and effects you want and this can be successfully incorporated into any decor, contemporary or more traditional.

If you contact me directly I may know someone in your area that can help you. What I can tell you is you need to budget approximately $200.00 per light which includes the light and installation. This is inclusive of ALL work, wiring, drywall/plaster, and painting, if the paint can be successfuly matched; if not, plan on an additional $350.00 to repaint the entire ceiling.

Mike Lonergan
TradesProfessional, Inc.
http://www.tradesprofessional.com

How do I get the bottom electrical outlet to supply power when the ceiling light switch is off?

Q. The bottom outlets in my bedroom supply power only when I have the light switch (that controls the ceiling lights) on. Is there a simple way for me to change this so the bottom outlets are always on? Thanks!

A. The room was probably originally wired that way, where the switch controls the bottom halves of the outlets. That is a good feature, and I would leave it that way. There was no fixture in the ceiling originally; someone else installed it. Now, what they did wrong was wire the fixture to the same switch as the outlets. Here's what you do to solve it:

Take all the wiring apart inside the switch box, and remove it by cutting the side brackets or nails with a reciprocating saw. Remove the box, and cut the hole larger, in order to fit a 2-gang box. In fact, if you have a ceiling fan, make it a 3-gang box. You will want an extra place to hold a fan speed control, to avoid having to use any pull-chains on your fan. Re-wire the new switch box, putting the grounds together, and the neutrals together, each with a wire nut. Take the always-hot wires, and add one pigtail per switch. Cap with wirenut. Attach each pigtail to a switch, then connect each switch wire to the appropriate switch. Everything will be switched separately then.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers