Installation light

Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Check your local wiring codes and schedule inspections.

Several inspections and permits are required for most residential construction projects, especially when it involves installing or replacing new wires simply replacing a fixture usually does not require permits and inspection. You wouldn't want to light up a workshop in the same way you'd light up a nursery, or a kitchen the same way you'd light living room.

Think about the purpose of the room to determine where and how you'll light it. Is it a place for sitting and reading quietly?

A sconce or wall-mounted fixture might be most appropriate. Is it in the kitchen where you need good directed lighting, like over a kitchen island? In this case, pendant lighting would be ideal to highlight your cooking prep. Typically, you'll install fixtures in the wall, in the ceiling, or in a pole mount. Decide what kind of bulb you want for your fixture. Incandescent, fluorescent, LED, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium and halogen are among the most common choices, each with its own unique color tone or range of color tones form which to choose.

If you're not sure which type to choose, use LED lighting. Although the upfront cost might be slightly higher compared to other options, it will quickly pay for itself. LED lights don't get hot, use less energy, can last 10 or more years, and there are a variety of color temperatures and brightness options.

Around degrees would be appropriate for the purpose. These bulbs are around degrees. When changing a bulb, you should obtain one with the same temperature light, otherwise colors in the room will be cooler or warmer depending on the tone of the light source. This is even more noticeable if there are two or more adjacent lamps of different temperatures.

Determine voltage and current requirements for the fixture. The fixture must operate on a voltage available at the location. Nearly all fixtures available at home centers in North America will be the volt variety or have the ability to choose from two or more voltages by connecting specific wires and leaving others disconnected.

Current requirements for volt incandescent fixtures this includes tungsten, quartz, halogen is. A watt fixture can usually be added to existing circuits without incident. Most fixtures will list a wattage or amperage requirement to avoid overloading the circuit. Locate a suitable power source.

Find a nearby outlet or an existing junction box in the ceiling that's close enough to branch out from. It's important to find suitable power sources that are close by.

It's unlikely that you'll be able to use the basement electrical source to feed a switch on the third floor to operate a fixture that illuminates the front sidewalk. That's a lot of wiring. Plan the wiring route. Power to switch, power to fixture and installing the power and load point at same switch.

The three points, source, switch and fixture need to be connected together all with simple two-wire Romex cable when there is one switch controlling the fixture. If you're wiring multiple switches to multiple fixtures, it's important to separate your wring systems to keep them straight. Remove some wire insulation with wire strippers to expose connections.

Wrap wire ends together. You may need some help holding the light in place. Screw on wire nuts and secure them tightly. Attach the ground wire either bare copper or green by wrapping it around the ground screw in the junction box.

Push the wires into the junction box. Install the mounting bracket and screws. Screw the fixture to the bracket. Install the glass globe or shade, a light bulb, trim, cover and any other remaining parts. Turn the power on. The cost to install pendant lights is dependent on a few factors: Are you doing all the work yourself?

Are you purchasing the pendants and having a handyman install them? Are you hiring a contractor to do the entire job? When in Doubt, Bring in a Professional to Help If you live in an area where Puls offers handyman services, we can help you set up your new pendant lights in no time.

Debbie D. Debbie Dey is a professional writer with over three decades of experience in residential construction. Her background gives her a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of home improvement projects, which she enjoys sharing through her writing. She has been a Puls staff writer since In her free time, you can find her relaxing by the water or cruising with her husband in their sports car.

Once the fixture is mounted, install a light bulb, turn the breaker back on, and let there be light. Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Think you need an electrician? Find qualified, vetted professionals in your area and receive free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

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