Can i add a 2nd light to existing circuit

[THRobinson]

Hey guys... about to do a bit of minor reno in the kitchen and wanted to add an extra light to a spot that's poorly lit.

Old house, old wiring, 9ft ceilings covered in copper so can't really get into what's there except to say there is a ceiling light in the centre and 2 light switches, one at each door.

I want to add a light to the wall a few feet over and up from one of the switches.

Is it as simple as cutting the wire at the one switch and running wire off of it? Basically a Y split for each wire? Or would that mess it up?

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

more likely to run a cable from the existing light than from a switch.

 

[Taylortwocities]

To make a light work you basically need a live and a neutral. Light switches do not usually have a neutral.
It’s unlikely that you can do what you need from the switch wiring, but post a photo of your switch wiring, and we can confirm.

 

[THRobinson]

Hoping to have that part of the wall apart this week... I'll take a photo and post it.

 

[THRobinson]

double post

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hoping to have that part of the wall apart this week... I'll take a photo and post it.

We know what cables look like. Need to see the connections behind and to the switch itself.

 

[Spoon]

Welcome to the forum mate.

Does the house CU have a RCD fitted to it?

If you are taking pics of the light switch, and isolating the circuit, then take a pic of the wiring going to the existing light. As @telectrix has mentioned, taking the supply from this may be the best way.
If you don't know the answer to the above RCD question then post a pic of your house CU as well.

 

[THRobinson]

but post a photo of your switch wiring, and we can confirm.

Like I said, taking that part of the wall apart and can take a photo of it.

Light itself... can't really... need someone with a ladder tall enough to reach that high plus afraid to touch it in case it stops working. 90% of the wiring in here is still knob/tube... 110yr old farmhouse.

No clue what RCD or CU is. Responsible Cannabis Use? Credit Union?

 

[Spoon]

No clue what RCD or CU is. Responsible Cannabis Use? Credit Union?

Sorry mate. A CU is an abbreviation for Consumer Unit. An RCD is a protective device. Looks a bit like a circuit breaker but with a 'test' button on it.