How to Wire a Light Fixture and Receptacle

Easy

Introduction

Wiring a light fixture or electrical receptacle takes some knowledge of current electrical codes and a few safety precautions. You must first turn off the power to the fixture, or receptacle, you will be then ready to start! You need to make sure that you connect the ground to the ground wire, this is very important. Loose or non connected grounds are the major cause for electrical fires and shocks! Please keep this in mind when wiring your light fixture or receptacle. If your existing wire does not have a ground you will need to check with your local electrical cosed to see if you can modify the system. We are confident that if you look over the materials we have presented below, You and The DIY Home Pro will successfully accomplish the task! Please look over the information carefully, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: we have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

The Tools You'll Need

Wire Pliers

Wire pliers help to cut and strip the electrical wires in preparation for the connection. This is a handy tool to have around the house for all of your electrical projects!

Circuit Tester

A circuit tester will tell you if there is any electrical current running through the lines before you touch them! Sometimes switches at the control panel are not marked correctly, just because the switch is off doesn't mean the power is. This is an excellent tool to have on hand!

Screw Drivers

Screw drivers are used to remove the wall plate and the fixture connections to reach the wiring in the wall or ceiling. Great Deal on a set of Screw Drivers at Amazon

The Materials You'll Need

Electrical Tape

Electrical tape helps to secure the wire nut onto the wires. This tape's most common use is to insulate the wires from touching each other, it is recommended to keep some on hand for this project. Great Deal on Electric Tape at Amazon

Wire Nuts

Wire nuts are used to connect the wires together when wiring the light fixture or receptacle. These are a required element to connect the wires. Great Deal on an array of Wire Nuts at Amazon

Wire

Electrical wire is used to supply the electricity to each receptacle or fixture. Be sure to check your local electrical codes to purchase the required size.

Receptacle Box

The receptacle box is where the receptacle is installed, this will be needed if you are replacing the box itself or adding a new receptacle. Great Deal on a Receptacle Box at Amazon

Receptacle

The receptacle is listed here, these should be installed per local code. Remember if in a bathroom or kitchen you will need a GFCI receptacle.

The Technique

There are several applications for wiring a light switch or receptacle. You will find information covering the most common applications for this process, It is very important that you understanding that the light fixture or receptacle must be grounded. If your wiring does not include a ground wire be sure to check your electrical codes, you may be required to change the wire if you are replacing the receptacle or fixture. Always make sure the power is off before attempting to work with electricity!

Install A Light Switch

Here is a great video that shows how to change a light switch! In this video they are switching a regular light switch with a dimmer switch, however; they are both wired the same way. So if you want to just replace a light switch with a regular light switch, follow the same process. Remember in all cases to turn off the power at the main panel first and then use a circuit tester to make sure the power to the switch is off.

Wire An Electrical Receptacle

This video explains how to wire a receptacle. All receptacles are not wired the same but this is the standard wiring for almost all cases. You will note in the video that there are 3 wires. A white, a black and a copper, in some cases there are 2 blacks 2 whites and 2 coppers. The coppers in all cases will be wired together and attached to the green or grounding screw on the receptacle. There are 2 brass screws and 2 silver screws on the back of each receptacle and you should follow the same practice as in the video; black to brass and white to silver. If you are uncertain and do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, please call a licensed electrician to perform the job for you.

Wiring Explained

This article gives you the basics of home wiring and has some great diagrams! Scrolling through the article you will find basic electrical connections for several applications in your home. Whether it is adding a new receptacle or changing a light switch, this article has it all. Please remember you need to make sure you do not overload the existing system. If you are adding circuits to your home you will need to check the amperage of the breaker switch at the panel, you will then need to count the circuits connected to that breaker. You can do this by turning off the switch and checking for power at all lights and receptacles. If the power is off when you turn off the switch and then on when you turn the switch back on, it is safe to say those are connected to that breaker. Once you know what is all connected to that circuit check your local codes for regulations so you do not overload the system. View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Wiring Simplified

This is a great book! "Wiring Simplified" gives all the basic knowledge you will need, based on the 2008 electrical codes! Whether you are changing a simple receptacle or wiring up a light this book will guide you through the task. Remember that wiring is pretty much standard in the US but there are specific codes per region that may vary due to many different factors; construction types, freeze/thaw factors, and construction materials used. This book will show you the right way but you need to confirm the wire sizes with your local code enforcement.

Wiring a House

This is another excellent resource "Wiring a House" is a must have for all of the project minded homeowners! Just like the title says this book will cover almost every wiring scenario in your house. This is a good manual to have on hand whenever you need to test or repair electrical connections or wiring in your home!

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.