"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Just wondering what sort of "gotchas" others have run into. Here's the
situation:

Single-story home, built in 1956. Attic is easily accessible, although
full
of pink insulation. There's already switch at the room's doorway which
controls an outlet. I plan on setting up the outlet to be constantly on,
and
using the switch to control the ceiling fixture. What I'm wondering is,
how
likely is it that between the switch box and the attic, the only
obstruction
I need to drill through (to drop the wire) will be at the attic level, as
opposed to unseen wood that's JUST far away enough from the attic beams
that
a drill bit won't reach.

And: Running the wire across to the ceiling box, I'm guessing that code
(and
common sense) would dictate attaching to the side of the beam, not the
top.
Yes, no, maybe?

Older homes rarely have fire blocking installed. Saying that you should be
able to locater the wire comming up from the switch, ( most wireing is
through the attic ) and using jack chain drop down to the switch box.
Now comes the fun part. 1956 you probably have steel boxes. Open up an new
knock out (ko) and then all you have to do is hit the hole. Might be a good
idea to install the romex connector before you drop the wire down. A helper
with a bright flash light helps. If you can not see light from above then
your in the wrong spot or there is something in the way, (framing,
insulation, god only knows). You may have to drill another hole for the new
wire. I recommend an 3/4" auger bit for this. Yea 3/4" in over kill but you
can see down the cavitity, at least I can.
Is the outlet half switched or all switched? If it is all switched just
change the make up so that it is hot all of the time. (just the hot wire
everything else is ok) If it is half switched then your going to have 4
wires going to the outlet, hot,switched hot, neutral and ground.
tie the hots together for on all of the time.

There are long speciality bits, (4-6 feet long) for remodel work. I have
never purchased one as they are pricy. These speciallity bits come with an
hole in the end. Drill down and then attach the wire to the hole in the bit
and pull up.

I just cut in 2 recessed cans in the hall arches in my home. After I get
done with the painting which is next they will look like they have been
there from the beginning.