3

In our first floor bathroom in our two story house with a crawl space, I would like to add a wall sconce a couple feet above the existing light switch. The box has two switches, one for the exhaust fan, and one that is a motion sensing switch for the vanity light on the other side of the room. I would like the sconce to be operated by the same motion switch. It would be ideal to connect into the switch to minimize drywall repair (rather than having to connect to the existing light on the other side of the room). If I had to connect to the existing light, I may consider a ceiling light but that would be a lot more drywall repair.

Please see the wiring diagram that I made. Let me know if it is necessary to have a diagram for the existing fixture as well. I am looking for information on how this should be done, with the usual disclaimer that I will hire a professional if I am not comfortable with doing it.)

wiring diagram

box at switch

Improve this question
2
  • Model # of motion switch? Commented Feb 4 at 17:11
  • very nice wiring diagram, cable 2 is the one to tap onto with your new cable Commented Feb 4 at 21:43

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

You can do this:

  1. Use 14/2 NM cable between the motion sensor and the sconce. Install it behind the drywall - pull out the box with the sensor, cut a hole for the sconce box (a pancake box should be sufficient), pull the cable between them, clamp with 6”+ sticking out per standard practice.
  2. Connect sconce socket, matching B-B, W-W, G-G.
  3. At sensor, connect cable B to sensor RED, W-W, G-G. Sensors use B for incoming (line) hot, R for outgoing (load) hot, and W for neutral.
  4. Check your work, power up, and test the sensor.
Improve this answer
1

Assuming a typical switch (specifics can be verified with the exact model #):

  • Black = always hot
  • Red = switched hot
  • White = neutral
  • Green = ground

Run a two wire (plus ground) cable from this box to the new light fixture.

At the light fixture connect black to hot/black, white to neutral/white, bare ground to ground. If you use a metal box (as I think you should) to mount the fixture, then ground from the cable goes to the metal box and ground from the light also goes to the metal box.

In the switch box:

  • Add white from the new cable to the existing wire nut bundle of whites. You may need a larger wire nut and/or a new one (even if the old one is large enough, it may not be in good shape.)
  • Connect black from the new cable to the red wire from the switch and whatever that red wire is currently connected to. You may need a larger wire nut and/or a new one.
  • Connect bare ground from the new cable to the other grounds.
Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.