It can seem hard to install a wall light in a space where existing wiring doesn't exist, but with quality tools and the correct instructions, it could turn out to be a fairly easy and rewarding task for a DIY-er. Whether you want to brighten up a dark hallway, create a moody ambiance in your living room, or add useful lighting next to a bed or chair, this guide will show you how to install wall lights without relying on existing electrical wiring. In this step-by-step guide, we will cover different light options from plug-in to battery-operated.
Before you hop into this project, it should be noted that any electrical work generally comes with safety risks. If you have no experience working with electrical systems or don't feel comfortable about working with wiring, it is probably a good idea to call a licensed electrician. It's vital to bear in mind the general precautions of electrical installations to avoid future hazards.
Materials and Tools Required
To avoid working up a sweat during installation, have all your materials and tools on hand before you begin. They are:
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Wall light: Make sure it fits the style and brightness you want for the room.
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Wall light fixture, battery-operated or plug: Depending on your choice, ensure the light fits well into your space.
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Electric drill and drill bits: You will be using the electric drill to bore holes for the mounting bracket or fixture you are installing.
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Screwdriver: Use the Phillips or flat-head screwdrivers depending on the type of screws used.
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Tape measure: This allows you to place the light fixture correctly.
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Pencil: Use this to mark where your holes will go.
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Mounting brackets and screws: They're usually supplied with the light fixture.
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Double-sided adhesive strips: For use with battery-operated lights.
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Extension cord: If your particular plug-in light fixture requires an outlet in addition to an extension cord.
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Level: Fix the appliance in a straight line.
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Wire nuts: These are for use if you're hooking up the fixture to your electrical system.
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Electrical tape: To ensure extra safety and secure other wire connections.
Now with all the materials and tools collected, we can get started!
Step 1: Identify Where You Want to Position Your Light
The first step in the installation of any wall light is where you want to install it. There are several factors involved concerning placement: the purpose of the light, the design of the room, and the additional need for lights in any place.
Check the Room Layout: Consider the purpose of the light. Are they for reading? Highlighting art? Positioning of a fixture, therefore, should work toward the lighting needs in that particular space.
Power supply proximity: If you're installing a plug-in light, ensure that its placement is near an electric outlet. Installation of a battery-operated light is much less restrictive, as outlets won't be a consideration.
Aesthetics: Make sure that the light harmonizes with other elements of the room. Try to place it symmetrically or in a manner that balances with other furniture or decor elements.
Once you've found the perfect spot, gently mark the side with a non-permanent pencil to guide you when drilling.
Step 2: Choose Your Light Fixture
When installing a wall light where there is no existing wiring, you can choose between two main types of lights: battery-operated or plug-in wall lights.
Battery-Operated Wall Lights: Best suited for anybody who would like that quick, clean, and hassle-free wall light installation. These are also a good pick for renters since they require no permanent shelling of walls. Many come with an adhesive back, so snuggle up to your wall with them.
Plug-In Wall Lights: Provided you are ready to contend with a cord, plug-in lights command a very quick installation and setup. They require no wiring, just a power outlet within reach to plug in the light. They're perhaps not as streamlined as a hardwired fixture since they have cords, but you can hide the cords along the wall or use cord covers to make them cleaner.
Both options are fairly easy and flexible; your choice depends on which space you are working in, as well as your personal preferences.
Step 3: Essential Mounting Bracket Setup (for Hardwiring Wall Light Fixtures)
As for the hardwired bracket-side fixture types of fixtures that need to be hardwired into the electrical system of your property, a proper mounting bracket should be installed to properly become stable in holding the light fixture up. It ensures the longevity of the supported light fixture without swaying.
Locate the studs: Using a stud finder, locate the stud in your wall. Setting the bracket in the studs provides solid support back behind your fixture any time it is to be placed.
Mark the drill holes: Once you find the studs, mark the wall with the pencil, where you will drill holes for the mounting screws. Ensure it lines up with the mounting holes on your fixture.
Drill holes: Choose drill bit size according to the screws to be used, i.e., ¼ or 5/16 inches for screws 2#s or thicker, then proceed to drill holes through the wall. If you are putting a hole through either drywall with studs, a wall awl or any similar tool should be used to allow for the prevention of those fixtures from falling.
Attach the mounting bracket back on the wall: When the holes have been drilled, re-screw the wall bracket. Be sure that it is straight and level before tightening the screws completely.
4. Wiring the fixture in the event of hard-wired.
When it comes to connecting the fixture to your home's electrical wiring, the first step is to recall that a hard-wired lighting fixture is a fixture that has to be permanently fixed to the desired or intended place. Ensure that you turn off the power from the circuit breaker for safety against electric shock. Little else would be quite as important as this step. Action is critical for safety.
You will need to turn off the power Always, concerning handling electrical components, first cut off the power at the circuit breaker. This is primarily a very vital safety concern.
Strip the Wire: If using a wire stripper, you are to strip insulator ends on wires coming out of the fixture. Try not to nick or undo the wire insulation.
Connect the wires: Usually, there are three wires: black (the hot wire), white (the neutral wire), and green or bare copper (the ground wire). Use wire nuts to connect each wire with the corresponding wires from the fixture.
- For black, connect it to black (hot).
- White to white (neutral).
- Green or copper connects to the ground wire.
Cover Loose Wires: Each wire must then be wrapped with electrical tape to prevent any exposed ends. Cover them entirely. If you are connecting from the junction box directly, make sure that it is properly closed in order not to leave any connections exposed.
5. Install the Light Fixture
After securing the bracket and wiring (if applicable), it is now time to install the light fixture itself. This disambiguation involves attaching the fixture to the mounting bracket and securing it in place.
Mount the Fixture: Place the fixture onto the mounted bracket and secure it using the supplied screws or fasteners.
Ensure Level: Use the level to ensure that the fixture is straight and aligned. A crooked fixture may be an eyesore and can give a wrong light effect.
Test the Light: When you've mounted the fixture, turn back the power on at the circuit breaker and test the light to make sure it functions properly and sheds light on a particular area.
Step 6: Install a Plug-In Wall Light
Although it is neither wired nor complicated, the plug-in wall light takes little time and effort to install. Here is how to go about this kind of fitting:
Mount the Bracket: First, mount the bracket on the wall. Drill holes, insert wall anchors if needed, and attach the bracket with screws.
Plug in Your Light: Once secured, place the light fixture on the bracket. Simply plug it into a power outlet close by. If you're concerned about the visibility of the cord, you might route it along the base of your walls or behind a piece of furniture.
Step 7: Install a Battery-Operated Wall Light
Battery-operated wall lights are generally easier to install since they require no wiring or outlets. Here are the steps to installing the light:
Peel and Stick: Some battery-operated lights have an adhesive backing, allowing you to peel off the backing and attach the light to the wall. This is the best way to install one if you're looking for a temporary fix.
Use Screws and Anchors: If the screws are required to fix the battery-operated light you would install it using the same steps as with the plug-in light, mount the bracket, then attach the fixture.
Insert Batteries: Once you have affixed the light fixture to the bracket, open the battery compartment and insert the necessary batteries. When you're done, flip the switch on the light.
Adjustments
Once the light is put in place, make any corrections to it to ensure it is functioning well. Adjust the orientation and level of the fixture. For plug-in or battery-operated lights, there would be an added step of adjusting for cord positions or accessibility for changing batteries.
Testing the Light
Check to see that the light is working to your expectations. After you've installed the plug-in light, make sure the switch is working, and the brightness level is sufficient. For plug-in lights, ensure that it is hidden or secured.
Safety Considerations
The exercise of a wall light socket installation without existing wiring is usually safe; however, proper safety measures must be employed. Switch off the power while working on electrical materials. Employ the right tools to avoid imperfections on the fixture or the wall. If at any moment you find yourself unsure or overwhelmed within the process, consult a professional.
Conclusion
With the right type of light, installing a wall light where no wiring exists can generally be a simple DIY project. Battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired, the actual installation will involve some basic tools in combination with safety measures that ensure the light integrates into your home securely and efficiently. Hopefully, this gives you the information you need to confidently install a new light fixture in any room of your house; and enhance the vibe and utility of the space.