Buzz
Upgrade your lighting convenience by converting pull chain lights to wall switches. While pull chain lights were once common, wall switches offer superior usability, allowing you to illuminate a room effortlessly. Follow our step-by-step guide to make the transition smoothly.
Steps to Follow
Determine the ideal location for your switch installation.
Typically, wall switches are positioned on the right-hand side a few feet past the door opening. Measure the height of existing switches in your house, usually around 60 inches or 1.5 meters from the floor.
Ensure the power to the fixture is switched off.
If other individuals are present in the household, inform them about the power shutdown, or leave a note on the breaker/fuse box to prevent accidental activation.
Determine the distance between your fixture and the desired switch location.
Always include an additional 12 inches or 30 centimeters to your measurement to ensure you have sufficient electrical wire.
Verify the power status of your fixture using a power tester.
Ensure the light fixture is completely disconnected from power. Only detach the black (or 'hot') wire while leaving the white (or 'neutral') and any ground (green or bare) wires intact.
Remove the protective plastic covering.
Strip 2 inches or 5 centimeters of the plastic covering from the ends of both the black and white wires.
Establish the wire connections.
Attach the black wire from the electrical cable to the black wire previously detached from your fixture. Always utilize screw-on wire connectors and ensure a secure connection.
Label the electrical cables.
Using a black marker, change the designation of the white wire in your electrical cable to black. Make the alteration visible on the plastic covering using a permanent marker to indicate it as a 'hot' wire.
Attach your newly marked 'hot' wire to the fixture.
You should now have a white wire and a re-designated black wire attached to your fixture.
Guide all wires through the rear of the electrical box.
Remove the insulation from both the black and white wires as described in step 5. Attach the ground wire to the electrical box itself using the screw located at the rear or side of the box.
Alter the designation of the white wire.
Follow the same process outlined in step 7 to change the white wire into a 'hot' wire using a marker.
Securely fasten the black wire to the upper screw on your switch.
This corresponds to the top position of your switch.
Attach the second 'hot' wire (white) to the lower screw.
Ensure that both screws are tightened securely, and then install the switch into the electrical box. Only affix the cover after confirming proper functionality.
Restore power to the system.
Switch the toggle to the 'off' position, then restore power to the fixture.
Verify the functionality of your newly installed switch.
Ensure you haven't deactivated the fixture using the chain or cord.
Keep the light switched on.
Always leave the light 'on' at the chain or cord to maintain full control from the wall switch. You can still use the chain, but that negates the purpose of having a wall switch.
Install a switch plate cover.
Once everything functions correctly, seal up your light fixture and affix a switch plate cover.
Helpful Tips
-
If you're adding a switch to a completed wall, refer to Fish Wires Through Walls for guidance.
-
To connect a wire to a screw, bend the exposed wire to the left and slide it over the screw. As you tighten the screw, it will secure the wire in place.
-
An electrical tester is a valuable addition to any toolbox. They're affordable and readily available at home improvement/hardware stores. Connect one probe to each wire...if the tester lights up..the line is 'live', if not, the power has been shut off.
Important Warnings
- Confirm that performing your own electrical work is permitted in your country/state. If you're uncertain, enlist a licensed electrician for any electrical tasks in your residence.
- Exercise extreme caution and precision when handling electrical work. Always verify all connections are secure.
