Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Addinga second light switch

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View Full Version : Addinga second light switch


aqzman
08-22-04, 03:45 PM
Well here is my problem, the room I spend most of my time in only has one light switch and its at a very inconvenient place and often people may come into the room and leave 30 seconds later and forgot to turn the light on/off which is very annoying because I have to get up and change it and this happens a lot through out a day.

So what I want to know is how hard would it be to add a second switch in a more convenient place, how much would it cost me, and could I do it myself? Lucky this house is very new (3/4 months old) so there are two rooms in the house not done yet and one of them just happen to be boarding the wall where I want to install the light switch so I don't have to worry about jyprock or anything (the original light switch is also on this wall) So I think that will save me a lot of time and trouble.

Well please tell me what you think I should do and thanks.


John Nelson
08-22-04, 04:26 PM
For about $30 at any home center, you can buy a remote switch kit. The remote switch has a wireless transmitter that runs off a battery. You just stick it on the wall whereever you want it. The existing switch is replaced by switch with a wireless receiver. You can control the light from either switch.

If this doesn't sound good to you, any home wiring book will show you how to add another switch. You simply replace the existing single-pole switch with a 3-way switch, and run new 14/3 cable from the existing switch box to where you want the new switch box. If you have the ability to run such a cable inside the wall, and if you prefer this option, post back for more details.