How To Install Light Switch In Existing Wall

To add an outlet to a light switch you start by making a pigtail using the hot wire the wire going to the fixture controlled by the switch and a third length of wire.

How to install light switch in existing wall.

You can wire the new wall light fixture into the existing light and have a single switch control both lights. Hook up the outlet as you normally would. Place switch in the wall box. You then splice all the white wires and all the ground wires in the switch box together.

Cover with a switch plate. This project requires an understanding of how a switch is wired and a few basic tools. Here s how to install a wall mounted light directly above a light switch. The biggest challenge is planning the cable route and running it from the fixture to the new wall switch position.

Tighten the mounting screws to secure the switch to the wall box. Gently bend the wires and push the switch into the wall box. Since the existing light is already connected to the switch and you are not adding a light switch most of the wiring you need will be present in the wall or ceiling. Restore power and test the switch.

To ensure that frequently used switches last longer purchase a spec rated or commercial device. In the tutorial how to install an electrical box in an existing wall we provide detailed photo rich how to instructions on easily installing the old work electrical box. I really don t know hardly anything about electricity. Adding a wall switch to a ceiling fixture can be done in a matter of hours.

Included in the tutorial are tips for making the box installation go much smoother and faster so you will be up and running quicker. Install the wall plate. You ll need a noncontact voltage detector a wire stripping tool a screwdriver and a drywall saw.