install a 2-lamp fixture in place of a 1-lamp fixture?

Question

hii am a homeowner shopping for light fixtures that i will have installed. ihave not yet decided on the installer.i have 3 ceiling light fixtures that i dislike. they are all the same andare in the den, hallway & bathroom; they are 1 lamp units. all of thefixtures that i like have 2 lamps. can i install a 2 lamp fixture in placeof a 1-lamp fixture? is it going to cost a lot? will i have to run "2ndlamp wiring?" or, can i use existing wiring?OR do you know of any sites that have attractive 1 lamp fixtures?thank you for your time.-------------------------------------

bob haller · Accepted Answer

you can replace the light fixture without a problem, provided it will fit the box, they can use existing wiring. they are best shopped for locally so you can see what you are buying. for greatest selection go to a lighting store, it will cost more than a big box store ut they have a endless selection:)

RBM · Answer

you can replace the light fixture without a problem, provided it willfit the box, they can use existing wiring.** What if she has knob and tube wiring?

hrhofmann · Answer

Ignore this nut

RBM · Answer

** It's sort of in inside joke, as Haller looses him mind over K&T. The fact is, you can't necessarily install any fixture anywhere and conform to Nec. Many new fixtures will require the building wiring to be 90 degree

bud-- · Answer

260.14 (c)

bob haller · Answer

just by fixtures that use CFLs or LED which will keep the fixturetemperature down.If you happen to have K&T its time to plan on a complete rewire.

bud-- · Answer

A response that has absolutely noting to do with this branch of the thread.And the fetish referred to by RBMAnd also absolutely noting to do with this branch of the thread.

RBM · Answer

**Yes, but if the fixture has a tag that says something like: risk of fire, do not install on wire with a temperature rating of less than 90 degrees. Isn't the house inspector going to flag you at resale time, or how about your insurance company not paying the claim when your house catches fire... and I know you're an expert on K&T, but what about other types of discontinued conductors like T, TW, RH. What should you do if you have that in your walls?

bob haller · Answer

.Lots of people do, and they deny its difficult to impossible to gethomeowners insurance with K&T. no homeowners insurance means no onecan buy your home unless they pay cash and never have homeownersinsurance.just the other night my best friend whos home is K&T discovered aconnection in the basement buzzing and smoking. he resoldered it.he is 80 and says let the next owner take care of it.he tried changing homeowners insurance company to save money, no onewill sell him a policy because of the K&T

Al Capone II · Answer

I'll do it for you. I charge a very reasonable fee, only $499 per hour, plus parts, plus transportation costs, plus whatever it costs ot pay off the building inspectors so it passes the code.

They probably dislike you too.

Not unless you replace all the wiring first. You need wire that is labelled "TWO LAMP WIRE". You currently have "One lamp wire".

Cost will be around $3,000 to $120,000 per light, plus materials.

NO, see above.

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RBM · Answer

FIRST OF ALL THE OP HASNT SAID A WORD ABOUT HOW OLD HER HOUSE IS, SECOND OF ALL "THAT SUCKS" UPGRADES SHOULD BE MANDATORY IN SUCH CASES. I'D TEAR IT ALL DOWN ASAP AND REWIRE THE ENTIRE DWELLING.

PAT ECUM

**Maybe you have the ability and resources to do that. Not everyone is in such a position. Personally, I would leave judgment of wiring types and systems to those who know something about them. Having an antiquated wiring type, isn't in and of itself, a hazard.

install a 2-lamp fixture in place of a 1-lamp fixture?

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