“The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time,” as Desmond Tutu is attributed to saying. Makes sense to me! That’s what I’m doing in my new home and continuing in the DIY journey. Today, I’m all about the bedroom addition lighting. Often, I find people are always shocked I can wire it myself. {{pun intended}}
If you’ve been around with me for long, you know I don’t bat an eyelash at most things DIY. I’ve wired and wired many things for my previous home and other places, and this will be no different.
I liken electrical work to that much like plumbing. I like it when it’s DONE. haha.
Actually, it’s rather a great brain challenge and always easier on a new build. Thankfully, the previous owner of this home was a certified electrician so no half-wit house (as I lovingly called my former abode). It just always seemed like someone tried and just kinda quit. Like finding live exposed wires in the attic and a gas pipe in the basement not properly capped off.
FINDING POWER
Before I dive in, let me remind you of where I started.
First, you can see the tour of the outside HERE and the inside HERE. In the front of the house was originally a porch, I believe, with one long open room.
Both ends of the room had matching ceiling fan lights on switch that flips on upon entering the front door. Not necessarily a fan of those fans for many reasons.
Then, my son and I framed in his room, and I need to separate the power from the two lights so they can switch on separately.
However, I need to find how they’re powered from the electrical panel and how they connect.
I begin by turning off power at the breaker. Then, after taking down the light on the left (soon to be entry) and find what I’m looking for – power comes in at this fixture and then the other light and switch.
That’s what I was hoping for.
DIGGING IN
Here is the empty spot where the fan is no more in the bedroom.
For reference, from the 20-amp panel setup to the lights is a 12-2-gauge wire. That’s the correct size for this run and I’m hoping to reuse it to pull it and run it down to another power source eliminating an outlet. There are so many outlets in each room here that it’s lovely. However, he won’t miss this one as it’s behind the door.
After pulling down the faux wood panel from our framing, here’s what I find and what I do.
I need to make a few cuts to find out how power is coming into the outlet. I find the dimmer switch for the family room and outlet are on the same power so that means I can use it to run a single pole switch on the other side of the doorframe.
In order to make that run, I need to open up the ceiling and conceal the wire there so when I drywall, all is ready to go.
Check out my DIY fun in my video below.
As you can see, I had to do some investigating and cutting and end up on the positive side. woot!
WIRE ME UP
Next, you can see I have my load-bearing beam from where the house carries the load from the original porch. I’m not altering that and just running the wire behind the 2″x 4″ and under the beam to the power.
As you see in the video above, I was not able to take down the 12-2 wire, so am using my 14-2 gauge on a 15-amp breaker.
Additionally, I also mention why THIS was so frustrating. I WAS SO CLOSE!
At least I have power.
mwahahahaha!!
My test light is good to go, so I check it again installed at the ceiling and then I’m set.
Here is the new light that adds the touch he and I are looking for his bedroom addition lighting.
Now get up outta your chair and do a happy dance with me! {{music plays}}
Any time my handiwork pays off I do a happy dance. I hope you do the same too.
Honestly, this was ridiculously simple compared to other wiring adventures I’ve traveled, and it feels really good.
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So, tell me… have you tried something that maybe you were afraid to try and whether fail or flourish, you’re glad you tried at all? Leave some comment love below. What is more, do help this gal out by pinning and sharing. All your love allows me to keeping doing what I do.
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Great job! I would have ceiling fans in every room if I could. Sensory issues cause us to get overheated frequently. I do like the light that you chose…perfect for that room. 🩵
Thank ya, Dale! Some of us have allergies, or sensory issues (don’t like drafts) and I hate cleaning them so it’s just a no. I love the drum lights for their simplicity and ease of use – especially when you can change the light to soft white, white, etc.
Wow!!! I’d totally burn the house down!!! You are so amazingly talented!!! Thanks for making it look so easy…. I will diy vicariously through you. 🤣🥰
Good job, I envy you. I’m now 87, and most of my diy days are limited. I’m enjoying all of your adventures. You look happier these days, in your new environment.
I could hug ya, Jacquelyn. You are so right. It’s been amazing to feel the release from oh so many things. God knew I needed this.
bwahahaha!! Trust me, I used to think like that decades ago, but I had to try. 😀 Glad to have you along for the ride, Rebecca. {{mwah}}
Exactly what I was thinking!!! Larissa is so talented — I just have to live vicariously through her!!
You’re so sweet to say so, Marti. You’ve made my day… truly.
Like I’ve said many times, you never cease to amaze!
I wish we could visit each other!!
You are such a wonder. What an amazing mother the kids have had. I wonder if them or your ex ever felt intimidated. In the end it’s our own journey but nice to have friends and family that get that. You do look like peace has straightened your shoulders and put that twinkle back.
Thank you, Bonnie. Intimidated? I don’t see why they would be as male or female, anyone is able. My kids not at all, rather they learn along with me. Their father? He is wired differently. I come from genes that work hard at everything and are very skilled at most anything they lay their hand at. I also choose to do this because… why not? 😉