How to Wire a Ceiling Light With a Light Switch & Receptical
- 1). Turn off the power to an existing circuit that is capable of handling the added load of the new light.
- 2). Make the cuts in the wall and ceiling where the switch and light fixture will be. Make another cut directly above the switch where the ceiling and wall join. This hole aids in fishing the wire from the switch to the fixture. Do the same above the existing outlet if you will be threading cable from this power supply to the fixture and then to the switch.
- 3). Install the switch and fixture hardware. The switch box is affixed directly to the wall; attaching it to a stud is not necessary. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the light fixture. Depending on the type of light, you may need to install a junction box supported by a bracket which hangs between the ceiling joists. Recessed lights normally come with junction boxes attached.
- 4). Thread the wires from the existing outlet to the switch box, leaving about 8 inches exposed on each end. Use non-metallic sheath cable that is rated for the amperage of the circuit. Use fish tape to thread another cable from the fixture box across the ceiling and down to the switch box.
- 5). Connect the hot (black) wires to the brass screws on the light switch. Connect the neutral (white) wires from the power supply and the fixture box together with electrical connectors.
- 6). Complete the connections at the fixture box by attaching the ground wire to the grounding screw on the fixture box and connecting the wires on the fixture to the circuit wires. Hang the fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions.
