I'm a diy trying to update my kitchen.I want to replace 2 fluorescent tubes with flexible track lighting which is self explanatory. But I'm having trouble figuring out how to add a pendant light over my sink. I don't want to run a track to the sink so it doesn't matter that I don't know how. My kitchen has one junction box in center of room controlled with a wall switch which I will use for the track lights. There are 5 receptacles in the kitchen. So how do I add the pendant?
Feb 03, 2013, 07:13 PM
Bob Fleming
You will have to add a junction box over the sink, unfortunately. Typically this is hard to do; I know from personal experience. Isn't there any light there at all? If there is, there will be a junction box in place.
In practical terms you could run a cable up inside the wall and ceiling from a disposal connection. This is not easy to do typically, with the counter in the way. I say practical terms because it may not meet code.
Feb 03, 2013, 09:24 PM
brodie's mom
Thank you, Bob. My electical experience is limited to installing fixtures at a junction box and replacing broken outlets. So if I install a junction box, can I replace a receptacle with a switch and run the wires to the new switch?
Feb 03, 2013, 11:05 PM
redoverfarm
Do you have a recepticle closeby that you can run a wire from to a junction box where the light will be? A lot of kitchens have a recepticle above the counters and under the upper cabinets. If so you could replace that box with a remodel double box. Use 1/2 for the switch and the other for a recepticle. You can pick up the power from that original recepticle to feed both with.This message has been edited. Last edited by: redoverfarm,
Feb 04, 2013, 08:13 AM
Sparky
Do you have access from above or is there a second floor above your kitchen? If you don't have access would the wire for the ceiling fixture be in the same joist bay as the place you want the light fixture above your sink?
It is likely time to call in an electrician, but the answers to these questions will determine how hard the job will be for the electrician to do and how much drywall will need to be repaired.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Feb 04, 2013, 09:43 AM
Sparky
Using track to extend the wiring isn't a bad option. I did it in my bonus room to put three pendents above a table in the nook created by a reverse gable on the front of the house. Had I not used track I would have had to cut a few extra holes in the ceiling to get the wire centered above the table because I didn't have access from the attic.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Feb 04, 2013, 11:44 PM
brodie's mom
The reason I think I can install a junction box myself is because I'm happy to say I do have access from above, and the receptacle is almost a straight line down from the place where I want to put the light. I'm excited about having this little project to get experience. Thank you all for your help.
Feb 05, 2013, 08:49 AM
Sparky
With access above it is pretty easy to add a light. Are you planning on controlling the light with the same switch as the other overhead light?
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Feb 05, 2013, 09:28 AM
redoverfarm
Sparky that is why I suggest to the OP that splitting the single recepticle into a double remodel box would allow you to operate the newly added light with a switch as well as give the use of the recepticle. Personally I would rather have that light independent of the main light.This message has been edited. Last edited by: redoverfarm,
Feb 05, 2013, 11:14 AM
Sparky
quote:
Originally posted by redoverfarm: Sparky that is why I suggest to the OP that splitting the single recepticle into a double remodel box would allow you to operate the newly added light with a switch as well as give the use of the recepticle. Personally I would rather have that light independent of the main light.
Just continuing the conversation. If the sink is on an outside wall, getting to the top of the wall can be a challenge depending on the roof line, and of course there is the insulation. However, if you can get to the top plate fishing the wires down the wall can happen. Definitely a good project to complete between now and the end of April when working in an attic gets to be a short term weight loss plan.
General Disclaimer
Any advice given here is general in nature and is not necessarily valid for your given area. If in doubt check with your local codes enforcement department for what is required when doing electrical, plumbing or structural work on your house. Permits may or may not be required in your area and home owners may not be able to DIY some tasks. I have no way of knowing if you have the skills needed to complete the tasks you are asking about, when in doubt seek professional assistance.
My advice may be worth exactly what you pay me for it. :-) For the record I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.