Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Adding a ceiling fan and recessed lighting to Master Bedroom

We just moved into our new house and my wife wants to add some additional lighting into our master bedroom. Currently there is only a single switch in the room controlling one half of an outlet. I have been reading up in my electrical wiring how-to book on how best to do this and wanted to propose it here to see what your thoughts are. It is a standard 15amp circuit with 4 outlets in the room. There are also two closets with flourescent lights in them, presumably off the same circuit. I want to tap into the power from the existing switch to add into two more switches, one for a ceiling fan and another for 4 recessed 6" cans. The unfinished attic is directly above the bedroom, so running the wiring from the switchs to the ceiling fixtures will be no problem. Do you see any problems with this plan? I don't think that there will be too much draw on the circuit as there really isn't much there to begin with.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Take care,

Jamison

I don't like your word "presumably". You need to know for certain what is on this and every circuit in your house. Before you do anything else, take the time to completely and thoroughly map out the house electrical. Determine what circuit breaker controls each and every receptacle, light and appliance in your house.

The information is absolutely necessary now (when contemplating a circuit modification), in the event of a problem (to save you hours of work), and in the event of an emergency (to save your life).

Do not trust any existing circuit labels, but rather make your own chart(s).

Everybody, within a short period of time from move in date, needs to do this to their residence, whether house, apartment, or condominium.


As for your question, tell us everything on the circuit and tell us the wiring at the switch. ALL the wiring at the switch. You may or may not be able to add switches and provide power from the current setup.

Not every switch box has power. Shut off the breaker, open up the switch box, gently pull the switch out of the box without disconnecting anything. Tell us if there is a white wire connected to the switch. Also tell us if the switch is a regular switch (says "on" and "off" on the lever), or a three-way switch (says nothing on the lever).

Then tell us in what year the house was built, and in what city you live.