Help with Attic light install

Looks good.

Maybe add a light switch next to the attic access.

 

Is it possible for an amateur, I mean rookie to rig a light switch to the attic light? I guess I would need more romex and a switch, but I can't wrap my mind around how I would connect it.

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I don't think that you need a switch since the sockets you got have the pull strings

 

302,
Looks like you are connecting into a smoke alarm circuit or a portion of a three way switching circuit or a multi-wire branch circuit or a 240 volt circuit for an air conditioner or a... You get the idea.

The assembly you are putting together, particularly the box to mount the light, is wrong. That box is made for outdoor installations. Also, you have not used a proper connector to secure your Romex wire to that box. I'm afraid that you might have issues with this install later in.

You really need to get a professional to supervise this installation. Lots of things could go badly here. If that's not in the budget how about going to your local trade or vocational school and taking a homeowner wiring class. You will learn the basics, be much safer, and have the knowledge to tackle more advanced projects later on. These classes are typically inexpensive, the class at the school where I teach electrical shop costs about $50.

Please consider my advice. You are far enough off base with this install to raise a caution flag to me and I rarely comment in this type of post. Be careful!

Chris

 

Well I appreciate your concerns Chris, and will take them seriously. I need to install two exterior lights on either end of the house at the peak of the roof, so I guess I'll use the metal boxes for those installs, and go back to the drawing board for the attic lights.

I have an engineer at work that I will have stop by and give me a hand on this project.

Thank you,

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Get yourself a multi-meter, Fluke is my preference and you will never regret this purchase. Always check for power and then you have a great starting point for all your electrical needs...

 

You should really have a Romex connector at the box opening, that's code anywhere you live.

Also you have to strip the outer sheathing from the wires that are in the box, you can't leave it like that... I'm not busting balls here, just saying

 

I know you read this post, because you mentioned that you hadn't bought a multimeter. Go back and read it again and take the advice given in that post. This guy knows his stuff. Once home with the test kit, learn those three tools in the kit from the included instructions, and read the appropriate sections of the basic electrical book also advised in this post. Being a home owner, you are off to a good start as a DIYer, and this small project will get you started on electrical installations the right way. As for the supplies you bought, when you're at HD again, ask for help in selecting your parts. Those clerks are knowledgable in their own departments.