How To Install A Light Switch In A Finished Wall

Cover with a switch plate.

How to install a light switch in a finished wall.

Install the wall plate. Connect the hot wire to the side of the double switch that has the jumper tab between the terminals photo 7. Fold the wires into the junction box then place the fixture over the studs or nipple then attach with the cover plate per the manufacturer s instructions. Select boxes that meet local codes.

Then splice the fixture s black lead into the new black wire. Install globes and bulbs. Gently bend the wires and push the switch into the wall box. Twist and connect wires.

Tighten the mounting screws to secure the switch to the wall box. After removing the black wire to the fixture s lead splice it into the new white wire. To ensure that frequently used switches last longer purchase a spec rated or commercial device. Complete the project by mounting the light fixture screwing the switch to the box and installing the cover plate.

If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. White to white black to black and copper to copper. Connect the wires as shown in figure a. Place switch in the wall box.

For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Restore power and test the switch. Twist a plastic wire cap onto each connection. When you need to add an outlet or switch in an existing wall you need to use a special electrical box called an old work box an old work electrical box may be metal or plastic and is specially designed to be installed in an existing wall where it has no support other than the wall itself.

To wire the ceiling fixture to the new wall switch first connect the copper grounding wire to the fixture. Mark this wire black.