Quote:
Originally Posted by hungryhun
I would like to add a wall sconce to the top of my basement stairwell to give me more light. I have one light at the bottom of the stairs which is activated by a switch at the top and bottom of the stairwell. Am I correct in assuming only one of the switches would be a two way? I think I would have to wire the sconce into the two way. I know I could also run power from the light at the bottom. I would like to avoid this as it would be next to impossible without cutting multiple holes into the wall/ceiling. Any advice on how I can do this?
Thanks in advance!
 IMG_8462 by hunrgyhun, on Flickr |
Both switches will be 3 ways and wired like this:
There are 2 choices here and one is a gamble. The first way is to take power from the existing light and run it to the sconce (is their a crawlspace or attic above the current light?). The second way depends if your switch at the top of the stairs has 2 things:
1) Is there an attic above it?
2) Is it the 3 way switch "closer" to the panel or to the light in terms of wiring.
If it is the 2nd 3 way switch (closer to the light) you could take power from there, run it inside the wall, drill a hole at the header of the framing, run it to above the sconce, drill another hole in the framing header, run it down the wall and to the box the sconce will be mounted to.
If you dont feel comfortable troubleshooting where your upper switch is located in the circuit, call a sparky