Electrical help needed. (1 Viewer)

[rrr757]

So my current location does not have a plug outlet where the fish tank stand will go. So I was wondering if any of the 2 options would work?

1. Run a 12 foot extension cord with Gucci protection from the nearest outlet to a power strip not sure if this is ok or a hazard?

2. I have a light switch that currently sits above where the tank would be that I can maybe split and run power to a new outlet? Its a new house and don't want to have to do too much drywall paint/repair. Pretty sure I have 3 wires in the current light recepticle.

Any advice?

Thanks, Mickey

 

[patricklong]

I dont go anywhere without Gucci protection!

Sorry, had too.

 

[rrr757]

Awesome, I would have done the same, good ole ipad auto correction, at least I got a response

 

[patricklong]

Do you REALLLLYYY need the switch??? You could just turn the switch into an outlet...thats easy. LOL

 

[rrr757]

Lol, wife might not like the fact she doesn't have the ability to turn on the fan and light in the sitting room now Gucci for gfci might be a bribery topic

 

[trb]

Generally, lights are on a lighter circuit than plugs, with smaller wire. They are not designed to carry the loads from appliances and our fish tank equipment, so I would not recommend tapping into a light for power unless it is at least 12ga wire and a 15-20 amp circuit.

Best option short of adding a new circuit would be to wire in an extension from the nearest outlet. If you don't want to cut the sheetrock and run it inside the walls, you can get the surface mount conduit and run it to the new place and add on a box for the plugs. Or even add crown molding and run the wires behind it. Is the attic accessible along the run between the existing plug and the new location? Pics might help.

 

[rrr757]

Thanks trb.

I think I am just going to get an electrician to do it. This way incase of any accidents etc our insurance will cover anything that can happen but hopefully nothing will happen . It was recommended that we have an electrician install it and follow code with having water within 6 feet or something like within an outlet. In case of a fire, insurance companies will not pay for any damages to due me doing something dumb.

Better be safe then sorry, and no reason to give the insurance companies any excuse.

Mickey

 

[trb]

We do have a few electricians on the board, I'm surprised they haven't chimed in yet. I know one of the board members, Jason, ReddDevil3443 is one, but I haven't seen him on here recently. Nemo713 is also, plus a few others.

 

[nemo713]

depending on the load you are pulling on that circuit, adding a extra recepticle shouldnt be a problem. the only thing would be to find out what size wire and breaker are being used on said circuit. from my experience most new houses are generally run with #14 wire and on 15 amp breakers, not very good for adding extra.