How to Add an Extra Light Switch In a One Switch Location (how to replace a receptacle box)

This video shows how to add a second light switch or fan switch where one switch already exist. The problem is that the existing light switch is in a single gang receptacle box that has no room for an additional switch to be installed. In this case we need to replace the old single gang receptacle box with a larger 2-gang box.

Supplies:
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In this example I needed to install a sconce wall light and my closest power source was a light switch that controlled another light. My solution was to add another light switch to power the new sconce light however I needed to remove the old light switch box and install a larger box to house both light switches.

Adding the new receptacle box required removing the old one. I purchased a old work 2-gang light switch box and traced its outline over the existing receptacle box. I then cut the opening for the new larger box. Now I had space to remove the old receptacle light switch box. Then I installed the new sconce light and ran a Romex wire from the new light to the new opening for the 2-gang receptacle box. I inserted all the electrical wires into the new box and inserted it into the wall space. Then I installed both light switches making sure I connected wires correctly so that the original circuitry was functional and that the new sconce light was operational.

#DIY #HomeWiring #lightswitch

[grant]

This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. So many videos that I've searched showed replacing an existing double switch, but none like yours turning one switch into two. Thank you! Your post commentary was very clear and the footage showed me exactly what I needed to see.

[costaloukellis]

This was perfect for what I needed. Thank you for making it easy to understand which gave me the confidence to do it myself.

[rahspardobvy]

Thank you for making this so easy and so clear in five minutes when others have taken on hour.

[Oneklickmedia]

Sweet! I wanted to added lights to my island using the switch from the outside patio light. Just gave me the confidence to move forward. Thanks!

[ImTheBlueRanger]

Just installed a series of new lights in my basement and added a new switch using this video, thanks so much!

[THEMANINAMASK]

Just followed your instructions as I needed to add a secondary switch to have seperate lighting for the closet to be able to install pot lights. Worked like a charm.

[amcastro]

Man you just did exactly what I want to do for my basement stairs.
I have only one light towards the end of the stairs and wanted a second one at the beginning but wasn’t sure how to go about it, thanks!

[erval]

I’m doing something similar but instead of putting two light switches together I’m feeding a new light switch from an existing light switch on a 90 degree corner angle. On one side of the wall my original light switch turns one a kitchen light and from the other side of the wall the new light switch will turn on my new hallway light. Your video is the closest thing I could find for my project. All I have to do different is add the pigtail extensions from one switch to the other (around 4 feet across the corner walls) and then feed my new light wires from the ceiling to the new light switch and pigtail those with the other and then connect to the new switch. Thanks for the explanation!

[carlottath]

Very invaluable information, just finished installing my switch today (with some irl help and your video) and it went smoothly. Thanks!

[michaelbuono]

Helpful! just gotta check if there's a stud to one side or the other before cutting into the wall

[averagejoesgarage]

Subscribed I was about to be charged 200 dollars each to change 5.... you saved me 1k thanks.

[johnsmokin]

Thank you! This was exactly my issue and I could not find help anywhere. Good details and info!

[joaquinsuarez]

Great. Gracias. I need to add a new outside light with an independent switch and didn't want to run a whole new circuit all the way from far away braker box in garage.

[nel]

BINGO!!! THE EXACT VIDEO I WAS LOOKING FOR. THANK U SO MUCH🙏

[davidseehorsch]

Perfect video for what I need to do in my Daughters condo. Thank you so much!

[davidberliner]

Well done. This is the video I'll watch when installing my new light & switch.

[seesky]

Very good video!!! One thing I'm confused is : you wired the power supply hot wire with another outlet black wire together? So the old light is not controlled by the switch? Thanks again for your nice work!!!

[abrahamabraham]

Thanks for the help remodeling living room installing pot lights then I figured use the existing switch by sliding door to gain power ur video confirmed it >> new subscribers any pot lights u recommended as I'm still doing research to what material I actually need thanks

[alrozman]

Great video! A perfect video for what I wanted to get done. Obviously, I'm not the only person you helped. Thank you so much!

[luckyme]

Really good video. Very detailed. I got a little bit lost after you connected all then neutrals. Where do you get the short black wires to make the pigtails? and where did each pigtail connect to after? what are the remaining wires left besides the black and white? I see a metal one. Sorry don't know much about electrical but need to do add a light and switch to an existing switch.