Customer

Maestro

April 26, 2007

How do I add switches and receptacles?

My basement has pull chains for the light.I would like to switch to switches, could you sent me the proper diagrams, codes, wire size etc.Plus I want to install a couple more receptacles and a three way switch in my garage . Thanking you in advance .

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Expert

Maestro

expert EXPERT April 26, 2007

Without knowing the layout of your basement it is difficult to send you proper diagrams, but as a rule, the switch should be upstream of the light bulb. It is possible to run the power to the light bulb and then to the switch however, this arrangement can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Most people think that if they shut off the switch there will be no power at the light bulb socket. This is only true if the switch is upstream of the socket.



With respect to your garage, we would recommend the use of ground fault circuit interrupter outlets. They are far safer in a potentially damp environment.


In all cases, you will be using 14AWG copper wire. In most cases, it will be 14/2, meaning that the wiring contains a black wire, a white wire, and a ground. In the case of your three way switch, you will want to use 14/3, which has all of the above plus a red wire -- in other words to hot wires, a neutral and a ground.


You can legally do this work yourself, however it must be inspected and approved by local authorities.

 

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