I am adding a ceiling fan to a room that does not have an existing ceiling fixture. This is a three speed fan only, no lights. I know which circuit I want to tap into, there is very little on it so load is not a problem. The circuit is accessible in the attic but the problem is there is no slack in the line. is it ok to cut the cable and the pigtail (if that is what it is called in this instance) the ends of the cut cable and the new cable together? Each pigtail would be completely in the box. I’ll use a larger junction box anyway but would the pigtails be counted in the wire capacity if the box.
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You can cut into the cable in the middle to attach the branch for the light. All your splices must be in boxes. If you don't have enough slack use 2 boxes. With at the most 3 cables coming into the box I wouldn't worry about the number of wires. Your ceiling box should have enough room. Otherwise use a 4" square box of ordinary depth with a blank cover.
How far is the new fan box from the existing cable? If you can cut that existing cable and swing it over to the new box, then you can add enough new wire to get back to where you cut the cable and put a junction box there.
The existing cable is too far away, is stapled down, and runs close to the eave making it really hard to get to. I'll make the splice where it is. Thanks for the help. I'm off to the attic before it gets oo hot.
[quote] runs close to
"<it> runs close to the eave making it really hard to get to"
I think I would look for another cable.