September 7, 20187 yr Hey guys, I'm going to be adding some cafe/globe string lights to my backyard and wanted some advice/help with some electrical wiring. I have a plan in place for where and how I'm going to hang everything, but I need to get some power to the light strings. My plan was to use an existing exterior outlet, and add a switch that leads to a new additional outlet that I plan to install on the underside of the underhang of my house. My question is 1) can I use the power running from the existing exterior outlet ganged to the new one and 2) how do I wire it so that the original outlet remains hot and the new one is switched? Basically I want to be able to keep my existing outlet and add another one that the lights will plug into, that is switchable so I can easy turn the lights on and off without plugging and unplugging extension cords. Can anyone help me with this?
September 7, 20187 yr Extension cord plugged into original outlet, wire that to switch, run from switch to new outlet. Viola, when you flip the switch power is supplied to new outlet. I would use metal junction boxes and outdoor rated switch and outlets. This would be the redneck way I'd do it.
September 7, 20187 yr Instead of jerry rigging a switch and risking getting shocked, an electrical fire, or a short, it might be easier to just add a wireless remote control inverter kit. Plug an extension cord into it and run that to the lights. Only downside would be losing the remote https://www.amazon.com/Woods-32555WD-Outdoor-Wireless-Weatherproof/dp/B001Q9EFUK/ref=pd_bxgy_60_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001Q9EFUK&pd_rd_r=3f2c1601-b258-11e8-b9b0-b9c4745829eb&pd_rd_w=20SJF&pd_rd_wg=KM4UN&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=DZXSTBQ4ZAN6YWDVCNFM&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=DZXSTBQ4ZAN6YWDVCNFM&dpID=41svAnLlS9L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail Edited September 7, 20187 yr by Chilly Water
September 12, 20187 yr I installed those string lights out on the patio. I ran power through my attic to the eaves and installed a remote from Lowes. It works like a charm.
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