SUPPLIES
- Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
- Wire cutter
- Plasti-caps
- Old construction conduit box
- Switch
- Drywall cutter
Overview
A switch is vital for the proper on and off operation of your ceiling light. Wiring a switch can be simple and fast.
There are different types of switches you can install such as dimmer switches, lighted switches and regular switches. All use the same wiring procedure unless you are installing two switches connected to each other. Refer to the Resources on how to install two switches connected to each other, called a two-way switch.
Step 1
Turn off the main electricity at the breaker box.
Step 2
Locate the wire from the light. Make sure it is going to where you want your switch.
Step 3
Cut the drywall, using your drywall cutter, to the size of the conduit box. Screw the box into the wall.
Step 4
Bring the wire from the light into the conduit box.
Step 5
Run another wire from the conduit box to the nearest outlet. Unscrew the faceplate from the outlet and remove it. You will now see two screws; remove these and pull the outlet out of the box. Attach the wire to the outlet screws matching the color label on each screw.
Step 6
Go back to your conduit box and strip about 1 inch of insulation off of all the wires.
Step 7
Twist on a plasti-cap to connect the two white wires in the conduit box.
Step 8
Screw on the two black wires to each screw on the switch. Ground is the copper wire with paper insulation. Screw the ground onto the green ground screw of the switch.
Step 9
Screw the switch onto the conduit box. Turn the electricity back on and test your work.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Turn off the electricity before starting.
Resources
