electricallighting
My den has four outlets tied to one wall switch (top receptacle at each outlet). I am looking to install four sconces (two per wall on two walls) and was wondering if I can tie these into the existing switched outlets.
I am sure this CAN be done, but more wondering if it is OK to do. Will this violate code (Minnesota USA). Or should I run new cable and use a new switch?
This is what your circuit looks like now.
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Start by turning the power off at the breaker, and verify power is off using a non-contact voltage tester.
When you look at the side of the receptacles, you'll see a small tab between the screw terminals.
Using a pair of pliers, break the tab off of the ungrounded (hot) side of the receptacles (the brass screw terminals side).
So your circuit will now look like this.
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If you left it like this the top half of the first receptacle would work with the switch, but the bottom half and the second switch would never have power. Using a small bit of black wire and a twist-on wire connector, remove the red wire from the screw terminal and connect it to the black wire and the top screw terminal. So your circuit looks like this.
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With the circuit like this the top half of both receptacles will be controlled by the switch, but the bottom will never be powered. To make the bottom half of the receptacles work, you'll have to use a bit of black wire to connect constant power to the lower screw terminal of each receptacle. When you're done, your circuit will look like this.
Click for larger view
Finish up by remounting all devices, installing trim plates, and turning the circuit breaker back on. At this point the bottom half of the receptacles should always have power, and the top should be controlled by the switches.
If at any time during this project you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to contact a local licensed Electrician.
I'm just a guy on the internet, not a licensed Electrician. Assumptions may have been made on the current wiring, based on your descriptions. Without being there, there is no way to be sure these assumptions are correct. Please proceed with caution, and at your own risk.
These outlets will need to be GFCI protected if the garage door opener outlet isn't already that way, but yes -- there isn't a limit on how many receptacles can go on a general receptacle circuit.
Do double check to make sure that your circuit doesn't serve something else funky though.
Best Answer
Technically, yes you can tie into those outlets for power.
Whether or not it is safe (and not against code) to do so would depend on what other loads are already on the circuit (will adding the lights overload the circuit?) and the size of the electrical boxes where the outlets are located (are they large enough to accommodate the wires from another branch?).
You would need to do some load calculations taking into consideration the wire gauge as well as box fill calculations. This information is available in the NEC - always a handy reference to have available when doing this type of work.
If in doubt, it's always safest to consult a licensed electrician.