Can I draw power from a wall outlet to add a light and light switch?

Make sure the power is off, cut and add a box. Search Youtube, that is a great source for tutorials

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/wire-hanging-light-fixture-wall-outlet-51232.html

I read this and immediately thought: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL! Why would you risk your life and home posting such a question online?

Yes you can as long as your source is able to handle the load. An electrician could just tap off of your outlet. We do our own, but my husband is an engineer. I would maybe hire an electrician to wire it because trying to attempt electrical work yourself without the experience is dangerous plus your home insurance might not cover diy electrical work. If you want to save money and you are sure about where you want your switch you could do the drywall prep and finish work yourself. I admire you for seeking advice.

Yes in most cases you can, Remember SAFETY FIRST. there are new connectors available that make the job safer then the old wire nuts, use them if needed. They are at local big box hardware stores, the outlet may already have the push in holes used and require a slight rewire. While instruction online should offer the basics. I would recommend getting assistance from someone with more experiance even though this is a relitivly simple job,... IF you had to ASK this QUESTION your SKILL LEVEL is NOT sufficient to TACKLE ALONE.

Depending on your experience/handiness, you certainly can. But, why not take the easy route? ::: https://www.amazon.com/OxyLED-OxySense-T-01-Anywhere-Closets/dp/B00GD8OKY0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1499362693&sr=8-5&keywords=tap+light+led

Also available at Walmart, Target.... Etc.

If you do not know how to determine the HOT from the Neutral and Ground -get an electrician to identify. I have worked electricity for 50 years and you always break the hot for any circuit with your switch. Don't trust wire color (Black =Hot) can get you electrocuted.

Being an electrician even I become careless TRUSTING the wiring was done correctly. changing a light fixture with just two/three wires SHOULD be as simple as turning the switch off. If the neutral wire was broken by the switch the light will still turn off but YOU now become the electrical RETURN path and depending on your environment you could draw the full current rating of the

circuit breaker 20-30 amps. It only takes a few tenths of an amp thru your heart to cause cardiac failure at worst and a really good shock at best. I adopted President Reagans slogan when working in industrial and home construction. You hear " Circuits Dead!" TRUST BUT VERIFY , I made it to 79+ , just saying...

I've done my own electrical wiring, but I had my father as a teacher. I think your best and safest way to get lighting into your crawl space is to go the route that Ron Bussing suggested. Click on the link he provided, which goes to Walmart, but you can also get battery operated lights just about anywhere. I have bought LED battery operated lights at Amazon and love them! Check prices at Walmart/Amazon/Menards/Home Depot/Lowes for the best prices, and also for the brightness of the lights you want.

Electricity is something you don’t mess with if you’re an amateur.

I signed into this only to comment on these people who say hire an electrician for a simple job and likely be charged $300 to $500!

Ridiculous

If you are a DIY-selfer with half a brain, it’s not hard at all. Of course one must understand electricity and how to turn it off first! Duh…

Hello, I too signed up to comment like Brandy. It is a simple job and these people are scared to give advice for fear of it coming back on them or something. You can steal power from an outlet as long as there isn’t too much on one circuit. These naysayers just don’t understand the question and are trying to play mom and dad. (Don’t do that, you’re not old enough). There is plenty if information on yt and different sites on how to. Don’t be discouraged, just know your comfort level. Which is common sense obviously and if its too much for you, then hire someone. I alway treat circuits like they are hot. But go and get you a non contact tester and some leather gloves. It’ll make things safer.