Installing light fixtures?

Question

I want to install light fixtures in my condominium. It is set up like an apartment, and we are on the middle level. There is a switch on the wall which is currently connected to an outlet. For the ceiling fixture, do I run a dedicated electrical cable to the wall switch, or to the circuit breaker, or both?

Answer 1

you can add a conduit that is decorative as well as functional on the outside of the wall and ceiling.it looks good but is expensive .but you don't have to cut your drywall to install wires.you can get power at the switch or from the outlet ,if you get power at the outlet you can plug your wire in  then it's just an extension cord just buy a wall plug tie-in your wire and plug it in ,either way you have a switch.how many outlets are on that circuit? you need to add up your amperage ,it's probably a 15 amp circuit and if you pull more than that it will kick the breaker.so watch what you plug in there................tom

Answer 2

It depends on how many light fixtures you are adding, and how many are already on that circuit. It sounds like you want to add overhead lights to the existing switched circuit coming off of that one switch? It would probably be better to run a wire from the switch to a junction box and then branch off from there.  Of course you will probably have to open the wall up to do this.

You mentined that this is an apartment? Are you allowed to do this sort of thing? Did you ask the landlord?  In most places you need a permit to do electrical work like that.