How To Install A Light Switch In A Finished Wall

Complete the project by mounting the light fixture screwing the switch to the box and installing the cover plate.

How to install a light switch in a finished wall.

Install the wall plate. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Place switch in the wall box. Twist and connect wires.

Gently bend the wires and push the switch into the wall box. Connect the hot wire to the side of the double switch that has the jumper tab between the terminals photo 7. White to white black to black and copper to copper. Connect the wires as shown in figure a.

Then splice the fixture s black lead into the new black wire. If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. To ensure that frequently used switches last longer purchase a spec rated or commercial device. After removing the black wire to the fixture s lead splice it into the new white wire.

Mark this wire black. Twist a plastic wire cap onto each connection. Restore power and test the switch. Select boxes that meet local codes.

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. Select boxes that meet local codes. To wire the ceiling fixture to the new wall switch first connect the copper grounding wire to the fixture. Install globes and bulbs.

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. Install a piece of the 12 3 with ground romex between the original switch location laying it in the notches you made in the studs running it up through wall to the second switches location.