In need of electrical help

[spmiller]

I'm in the process of adding a light fixture and an outlet to a finished area of the basement. I would like to tap into the power on a 20amp circuit that is nearby. There are two outlets conected to the 20 amp circuit and the only thing that currently runs on the circuit is a freezer.

My question, is it safe to connect the wires from a light fixture to the 12-2 wires needed for the 20 amp service?

 

[glennjanie]

Welcome SPMiller:
We typically like to keep a seperate circut for refrigerators and freezers. The circut would certainly have enough amperage to power a single light fixture, especially if you use the new CFL bulbs in it. Its your decision now, leave the single outlet situation or hitch a ride on that circut for another fixture.
Glenn

 

[travelover]

If the circuit is fused at 20 amps, any wires that you connect must be at least 12 gauge as well.