Wiktor Wise
Adding a second electrical fixture to your home can be a daunting task, but with some basic knowledge of residential electrical circuits and the right tools, it can be a relatively straightforward process. There are several methods to achieve this, including daisy chain wiring, which involves creating pigtails in the wires to split the electrical path, and simply tapping into the junction box that the lighting fixture connects to. It's important to note that if you want separate switches for each fixture, you may need to explore options like wireless switches or Wi-Fi-enabled light bulbs. Safety precautions, such as ensuring the electricity is off before beginning any electrical work, are crucial to a successful and hazard-free installation.
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What You'll Learn
Daisy chain wiring
When adding a light to an electrical circuit, daisy chain wiring is employed to connect the fixtures in parallel. This ensures that if one light burns out, the other will remain on. To achieve this, pigtails are made in the wires to split the electrical path. Each pigtail typically contains three wires: the live circuit wire, the wire going to the new fixture, and the wire from the existing fixture.
Before beginning any electrical wiring, it is crucial to ensure that the electricity is turned off. This can be done by turning off the breaker controlling the existing fixture and testing the wire leads with a voltage tester to confirm they are inactive. When creating the pigtail, you will need at least an inch of bare wire on the end of each wire to facilitate the connection. Strip the insulation from the wires, hold them parallel, and twist the exposed ends together clockwise with pliers. Finally, screw on a wire cap large enough to hold them securely.
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Pigtails
When adding a second electrical fixture, you will need to use a technique called daisy chain wiring. This involves connecting the fixtures in parallel, which ensures that each light stays on even if the bulb in the other fixture burns out. To do this, you need to create pigtails in the wires to split the electrical path.
To create a pigtail, first, ensure that the electricity is turned off as a safety precaution. Then, cut a piece of scrap wire that matches the gauge and insulation colour of the circuit wires to a length of 6-8 inches. Strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from each end of the wire using a wire stripper. You should now have at least an inch of bare wire on the end of each wire that can be connected in a pigtail. Hold the wires parallel and twist them together in a clockwise direction with pliers. Finally, screw on a wire cap large enough to hold them securely.
When connecting a green grounding pigtail to a metal electrical box, tighten the attached green grounding screw into the back of the box. Then, attach the free end of the pigtail to the other grounding wires with a wire connector. For plastic electrical boxes, there will only be one grounding pigtail linking the circuit wires to the device. Once all wire connections are complete, tuck the wires back into the electrical box and secure the device to the box before mounting the cover plate.
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Connecting to a junction box
Planning and Preparation:
Before beginning any electrical work, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work with electricity, or consider hiring a professional electrician. Working with electricity carries inherent risks, including the possibility of electrical fires or personal injury. Always disconnect the power supply to the area you are working on. Use a voltage tester to check if wires are live; if the readout doesn't show zero, do not proceed until you have cut the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Additionally, identify the type of junction box and wiring you will be using. Metal junction boxes require a scrap ground wire, typically with green or copper-coloured casing. Plastic junction boxes, on the other hand, are primarily used with plastic-sheathed cable. Choose a junction box that is large enough to contain the wires safely, consulting a fill capacity chart if necessary.
Installation Process:
Once you have selected the appropriate junction box and ensured a safe working environment, you can begin the installation:
- Mounting the Junction Box: Identify the location where you want to install the junction box. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the ceiling and mark their positions. Drill a hole for the junction box, ensuring it is securely attached to the framing or support structure.
- Connecting the Wires: Strip the ends of the wires that will be inside the box, using wire strippers to remove 3/4 inch (19 mm) of casing insulation. Twist the exposed ends of same-coloured wires together using a pair of pliers. This process creates the electrical circuit, so be sure to match the wire colours correctly.
- Securing the Connections: Use wire nuts to secure the connections between wires. Black (hot) wires should be joined together, as should white (neutral) wires. If present, red (hot) wires should also be joined. Confirm that all connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire.
- Final Assembly: Carefully fold the wires into the junction box. Install the box cover, securing it with screws. Ensure the cover is a solid "blank" without holes, as per code requirements. Restore power to the circuit by switching on the circuit breaker.
Additional Considerations:
To prevent overheating, short-circuiting, and potential fires, ensure that your junction box does not contain too many wires. Always follow electrical safety guidelines and consult professionals if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.
By carefully following these steps, you can successfully connect to a junction box to support your electrical fixture.
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Using a wireless switch
Before starting any electrical work, it is important to ensure that you turn off the power to the room at the circuit breaker. This will ensure that no electricity is flowing through the wires while you are working.
Wireless light switches, or remote light switches, use radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate between the switch and receiver unit installed at the light fixture. The switch acts as a transmitter, sending a signal to the receiver installed in the light source to turn it on or off.
To install a wireless light switch, you will first need to identify the power source, typically a wall outlet or junction box. Once identified, run the wiring from the power source to the switch, using a 14-gauge wire. Then, connect the switch to the power source by joining the black wires from both.
Next, install the receiver module at the light fixture. This involves splicing the neutral wires (white) from the power supply, fixture, and wireless module, and securing them with a wire nut. Then, connect the black wire from the module to the black wire from the power supply using a wire nut. Finally, join the black wire from the fixture with the red wire from the wireless module and cover with a wire nut.
Now, install the light switch that serves as the transmitter. Mount the switch to the wall at 48 inches from the floor, inside the doorway. No wiring is required for this step. Once installed, restore power at the circuit panel and test the system.
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Installing an electrical box
Electrical boxes are typically mounted to the sides of studs for stability. They can be nailed to the studs or screwed in with adjustable brackets. However, it is not always possible to find a suitable mounting point against the studs. In new construction, attaching a strip of drywall to the front face of studs can serve as a guide for attaching wall boxes. When installing an electrical box, ensure it is flush with the surface of the drywall strip, so that the boxes are at the proper depth when the walls are finished. Most residential drywall is 1/2- or 3/8-inch thick, so keep drywall strips of this thickness on hand.
When attaching the box, it is best to alternate back and forth between the nails, hammering each nail in about 1/4-inch at a time. This will prevent the box from twisting or deflecting as you attach it. Some electricians stop just short of driving the mounting nails completely into the studs, allowing the box to be easily removed if the layout needs to be changed.
There are no precise code guidelines for how high wall switches or outlet boxes should be positioned, but professionals follow certain standards for a uniform look. It is standard practice for wall switches to be installed about 48 inches above the floor, but this can range from 43 to 53 inches. For receptacle outlet boxes, the common practice is to install them so the bottom edge is between 12 and 16 inches above the floor.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add a second electrical fixture to an existing circuit by using a technique called daisy chain wiring. This involves connecting the fixtures in parallel, which guarantees that each light will stay on if the other one burns out.
Daisy chain wiring is a technique used to connect multiple devices in a sequence, with each device acting as a node in the chain. In the context of adding a second electrical fixture, it involves making "pigtails" in the wires to split the electrical path and connect the new fixture to the existing one.
Pigtails are created when three or more wires are spliced together at the same connection point. In the context of daisy chain wiring, each pigtail usually contains three wires: the live circuit wire, the wire going to the new fixture, and the wire from the existing fixture.
It is important to ensure that the electricity is turned off before beginning any electrical work. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform the task safely and correctly. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a qualified electrician.
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