Install Light Switch In Existing Wall

Twist the wire nut onto the three wires to secure them.

Install light switch in existing wall.

Mark location step 3. Connect the new switch step 8. Armored cable step 1. 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.

Unscrew the switch cover with a screwdriver remove it and unscrew the switch from the electrical box in the wall. Tighten the mounting screws to secure the switch to the wall box. Connect the relay to the fixture and the house wiring see photo 1. How to wire an existing overhead light to a new wall switch 1.

Choose the fixture first. Cut drywall step 4. Unscrew the wire nut holding the two black wires together on your existing light. Wire ceiling fixture step 7.

Unscrew the wire nut holding the two white wires together. Use a butter knife or flat head screwdriver to pry the plate off of the. Run the cable step 5. You don t need a switch box.

Strip wires step 6. Strip the last one inch of your new black wire and place all three black wires together. You can mount the wall switch anywhere on the wall as long as it s within 100 ft. Turn off the circuit breaker in the main panel that controls the light.

Turn off power step 2. After you ve determined that the existing switch box will work to power the new light it s time to shop for the sconce and pick up the remodeling box cable and electrical connectors you ll need. To open up the switch unscrew the screws on the wall plate they re usually located on the top and bottom of the plate. Then pick a rectangular or round remodeling box that is small enough to be covered by the light fixture canopy.

Cover with a switch plate. If you don t know which one it is turn on.