Wanting to put a light and light switch in my under stairs cupboard.

Question

the consumer unit is also sited in the cupboard. can this be used ? please help.

Answer 1

Probably, best solution is to call a qualified professional electrician to do it right.  If you use romex, which is the most common residential wiring method it should be easy if you know what you are doing. It is a matter of running the wire from the power source to the light fixture and switch and then connecting the wires.  Certain code requirements state a certain amount of clearance to combustible items.  Call a qualified professional electrician, faster, safer and easier on you.  

Answer 2

Maybe you can use an extension cord from the nearest outlet. and do a lamp...or get the battery operated ones.

Answer 3

by consumer unit, do you mean electrical source? If so you can install a light and switch easily from there. first run the wire (roam-ex) from the new light to the new switch. then run the wire(roam-ex) to the source. connect the bare wire to the existing bare wires using a wire nut. connect the white wire to the existing white wires after stripping off about 3/4 or an inch of insulation again with a wire nut. Now for the scary part. The black wire(the one that will shock you). first strip it back about 3/4 of an inch and carefully connect it to the existing black(live) wires.again with a wire nut. If your afraid of possibly getting shocked by touching the existing black (hot) wires then turn off the power to the source at the breaker box. finding the right breaker might take a few tries but this will insure you don't get a shock. after the installation is finished turn on the breaker and your done.(if it stays on). if not you've done something wrong. or you have a short. good luck

PS it might save you time and shock if you buy a book on home electrical devices and how to install and repair them. Also a multimeter or other electrical check device to assure the electricity has been turned off. again good luck

Answer 4

you can try using a "tap" light runs on batteries gives off a fair amount of light we use there when the power goes out