Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Probably a dumb question, but...!
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tranch
06-29-05, 06:57 PM
Electricity and I are not very good friends, so I usually stay away from it unless all I have to do is turn a switch on or off!
I'd like to install 3 ceiling fans in 3 upstairs bedrooms and there are no connections in any of the rooms. I'll not be doing this but will hire a union electrician to install them. I know he'll have to run lines and install boxes in the attic, but my question is, can he change the exhisting single light switches to a double switch to operate the fan and the switched outlets in the rooms without opening the walls and replacing anything? :eek:
House is only a year old, I'm electrically challenged, and I'd like to get as much info on how this is done so I don't have someone telling me this is a BIG and EXPENSIVE job. :confused:
I'd like to install 3 ceiling fans in 3 upstairs bedrooms and there are no connections in any of the rooms. I'll not be doing this but will hire a union electrician to install them. I know he'll have to run lines and install boxes in the attic, but my question is, can he change the exhisting single light switches to a double switch to operate the fan and the switched outlets in the rooms without opening the walls and replacing anything? :eek:
House is only a year old, I'm electrically challenged, and I'd like to get as much info on how this is done so I don't have someone telling me this is a BIG and EXPENSIVE job. :confused:
pcboss
06-29-05, 07:03 PM
Whether the switch can be changed out depends on how the current switches are wired. You may have a switch loop, which means you do not have a neutral to allow you to take power from the switch as not all the required wires are available.
It may be possible to add new wiring without tearing the walls apart. Is there an accessible attic above? The electrician should no how to fish wires into a closed wall.
I would expect to have to pay 2-300 per fan depending on the switching options.
It may be possible to add new wiring without tearing the walls apart. Is there an accessible attic above? The electrician should no how to fish wires into a closed wall.
I would expect to have to pay 2-300 per fan depending on the switching options.
ElectricalMan
06-30-05, 05:50 AM
tranch,
Hello, firstly I have to say I am not a Union Electrician...lol...But I play an Electrician in real life...no wait...we have no union here in Virginia...lol....
Ok....in regards to your question..I think PC covered it well but wanted to add a few things.
1.) Adding a switch to the wall is not a hard task IF their is an attic above as PC stated. They will simply drill down into the cavity and to be safe will probably use a stud finder to make sure their is space beside the current switch to cut in a 2 gang or possibly a 3 gang if you wish to have individual switches for the fan and light if you use a fan with a light kit.....
2.) They can use a tandom switch on this as well to change the situation a little as for the choice of 2 or 3 gang or a tandom in a single gang and well I could go on but since you are not going to be doing it they will handle that part to the best of your choice.....you can choose the layout you wish if space is available.
OK.....now as PC said....if they did a switch leg from the switched recept. to the wall switch then it would be a bummer....BUT if their is an attic above then anything is possible...
Finally to answer your question...can they add these items without opening up the walls....well again depends if you have an accessible attic above the rooms in question...if not.....they will have to open up the walls at some point.
Cost....well I can only say what we charge...lol....$ 325.00 each.
Hello, firstly I have to say I am not a Union Electrician...lol...But I play an Electrician in real life...no wait...we have no union here in Virginia...lol....
Ok....in regards to your question..I think PC covered it well but wanted to add a few things.
1.) Adding a switch to the wall is not a hard task IF their is an attic above as PC stated. They will simply drill down into the cavity and to be safe will probably use a stud finder to make sure their is space beside the current switch to cut in a 2 gang or possibly a 3 gang if you wish to have individual switches for the fan and light if you use a fan with a light kit.....
2.) They can use a tandom switch on this as well to change the situation a little as for the choice of 2 or 3 gang or a tandom in a single gang and well I could go on but since you are not going to be doing it they will handle that part to the best of your choice.....you can choose the layout you wish if space is available.
OK.....now as PC said....if they did a switch leg from the switched recept. to the wall switch then it would be a bummer....BUT if their is an attic above then anything is possible...
Finally to answer your question...can they add these items without opening up the walls....well again depends if you have an accessible attic above the rooms in question...if not.....they will have to open up the walls at some point.
Cost....well I can only say what we charge...lol....$ 325.00 each.