DIYbanter - View Single Post - Adding a light fixture from an existing switch ?

Jeff Wisnia

wrote:
I have created a rental apt in my basement and I currently have a 3
way light switch that turns on the light at the top of the stairs and/
or from the basement doorway. I have turned the top of the stairs into
a closet and sealed it from the bottom rental unit completely. The new
closet is deep and very dark and so I wanted to add a small 60 watt
light to it, but, the only power or electrical in the vicinity is this
threeway switch (with red, black, white and ground wire, but the
switch goes between either the white and black to keep the lights on
downstairs or the red and white wires. Can I tap into this to create a
new circuit for my light. The current load on this breaker is pretty
minimal and the light will be used very infrequently. Thoughts and
suggestions would be appreciated !

In a word, no. (If you need to keep using that switch to control the
existing light.)

If your alterations to the structure mean you no no longer need to
control the light with that switch then there is a possibility that you
could use two of the three entering that box to bring power to the
closet light, by reconnecting them at their other ends.

But, that depends on just how the existing three way switch circuit is
wired.

Let us know if you still need to control the stair light from that
switch location and you'll likely get more suggestions.

Jeff
--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.98*1014 fathoms per fortnight.