Adding an outlet to an existing circuit

[smoke show]

I want to add an outlet to an existing circuit which I've done before, just not a circuit like this one.

I'm no electrician so take it easy on me.

I was hoping to get what I needed from this switch, but according to my harbor freight tester theres no voltage in this box.

I could also take it from the light fixture if need be.

I believe this is a four way circuit. 3 switches controlling 6 light fixtures.

A link to a schematic describing this circuit would be great, so I can visualize whats happening.

I know its probly not recommended tapping into circuits, but this outlet is just gonna be for a led night light. ;-)

 

[begreen]

Take a meter and see if you have 120v between the two, yellow, wire-nutted connections. If so, that is the live feed into this box.

That looks like a 4 way switch. If so, there are a couple others switching the same circuit from different locations. Is this the case? If so, you don't take the power off the switch.

 

[burnham]

There's probably a feed in that switch box, but there's no neutral. The constant feed comes down from the light box on the white wire, goes through the switches, and then returns to the light fixture on the black wire. Probably need to find another location.

 

[smoke show]

Take a meter and see if you have 120v between the two, yellow, wire-nutted connections. If so, that is the live feed into this box.

That looks like a 4 way switch. If so, there are a couple others switching the same circuit from different locations. Is this the case? If so, you don't take the power off the switch.

No 120v anywhere in that switch box.

It is a 4 way switch.

I'll be looking at tapping into the fixture in the third pic.

 

[smoke show]

There's probably a feed in that switch box, but there's no neutral. The constant feed comes down from the light box on the white wire, goes through the switches, and then returns to the light fixture on the black wire. Probably need to find another location.

I think its all nuetral and no feed.

I will try another location.

 

[burnham]

I think its all nuetral and no feed.

It shouldn't be, you never switch the neutral.

 

[Ncountry]

I am fairly certain the switch you have pictured is the middle switch between the other 2. One of the other switches will have the incoming power feed. The black wire from the 12-2 or 14-2 will test hot no matter what you do to the other 2 switches.This is true if the power comes to the switches 1st.

 

[smoke show]

Maybe I'll open it back up and try again today.

It didn't matter what I touched with my meter I couldn't find voltage.

but when I shove it into an outlet I get 123v.

So are you telling me theres a feed and nuetral in there?

 

[burnham]

No neutral, just a feed. The feed comes from the lighting box down to the 4-way on the white wire of the 14-2 and goes to the point of one of the 3-way switches. The black of that same 14-2 is connected to the other 3-way switch.

If they switched the neutral instead of the feed, there will be a constant live wire in that box, but no constant neutral.

You should look in another box for a feed.

 

[Ncountry]

One of the switches ....or depending on how it is wired , one of the lights is going to have a feed wire with a neutral ground and hot wire. I will see if I can find a picture.

Found one http://www.do-it-yourself-help.com/4_way_switch_diagram.html

As you can see only one switch or one light normally has the wire you need.

 

[smoke show]

Thanks Ncountry

So if I understand what your saying, I need to look at a diffferent option?

I think I'll concede and run a new circuit.

 

[smoke show]

1 circuit breaker
75 ft of 12/2
couple boxes
4 ft conduit
bag of romex staples
couple outlets
2 covers
and one sunday morning
got the outlet I wanted plus another
thanks to all who replied.

 

[heat seeker]

Good for you! And you can sleep soundly knowing it's done right, too.
(I like the metal box covers better than the plastic ones.)