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.

To ensure that frequently used switches last longer purchase a spec rated or commercial device. Cover with a switch plate. You can wire the new wall light fixture into the existing light and have a single switch control both lights. You then splice all the white wires and all the ground wires in the switch box together.

Adding a wall switch to a ceiling fixture can be done in a matter of hours. I really don t know hardly anything about electricity. 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. This project requires an understanding of how a switch is wired and a few basic tools.

Gently bend the wires and push the switch into the wall box. Included in the tutorial are tips for making the box installation go much smoother and faster so you will be up and running quicker. You ll need a noncontact voltage detector a wire stripping tool a screwdriver and a drywall saw. If the wall is heavily insulated push conduit through the insulation and then feed wires or cable through the conduit.

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. If i can do it so can you. Yet here i am adding a switch to an existing light. Install the wall plate.

Tighten the mounting screws to secure the switch to the wall box. Restore power and test the switch. Here s how to install a wall mounted light directly above a light switch.