Installing ceiling fan drawing power from light switch from front porch

Falkstar69 · Oct 17, 2020

Ok I have a room that I’m putting a ceiling fan/light in where there wasn’t anything previously...I want to grab the power from a switch that runs the front porch light...I have tried various things and have looked on various YouTube vids...can’t seem to get it working ...I have a double switch and a single pole switch which is for the front porch light...I’ve ran and snaked my 14/3 to thr box...(house is older hind with fuses and ceramic wiring...front porch switch has two older black wires attached and a third black wire capped...from here can someone explain in detail how this is supposed to work

Quote

James · Oct 17, 2020

Unfortunately there are not usually enough wires in a switch box to wire a light or fan to.
Especially in older houses there is not a neutral wire available.
There will be one available at the nearest light fitting.
Without the correct knowledge and test gear it is unlikely you will make this work.

It would not normally be a big job for an electrician, I suggest you give a local one a call and ask them for a price.

littlespark · Oct 17, 2020

We may need an international input here, as I don’t think StLouis is covered by the UKs BS7671 regulations.

normally you wouldn’t find a neutral at a switch position, but there may be a way to pull one in from the light as I believe your wiring system will be conduit pipe.