How to Change an Outlet to a Light Fixture

An electrical outlet can be an ideal place to install a light fixture because the electrical power is already present. And in most cases, the fixture's electrical box will fit into the same space as the electrical outlet after it's removed. While this might not be particularly helpful for outlets that are near the floor, outlets that are located higher in the walls, such as those that can be found in kitchens, can be converted without the need to cut through drywall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire nuts
• Screwdriver
• Voltmeter

1. Turn off all power to the electrical outlet by turning off the circuit breaker. Check to make sure the power is off by plugging voltmeter probes into the outlet and verifying there is no voltage present.

2. Unscrew the cover plate for the outlet. Remove the plate and unscrew the three wire terminals. There will be a terminal for the white wire, which is AC neutral, the black wire, which is AC hot, and the green wire, which is ground. Remove the wires from the loosened screw terminals and pull the outlet out.

3. Take out the screws for the outlet box. Place the light fixture strap over the holes for the outlet, and screw the screws back in, securing the strap in place. The strap will have an adaptor on which the light fixture will mount.

4. Use wire nuts to connect the light fixture wires to the wire in the outlet box. Some light fixtures will not have a green wire. In this case, simply use a wire nut on the green wire in the outlet box.

5. Push the light fixture onto the outlet box, matching the mounting hole in the fixture with the adaptor on the strap. Secure the fixture to the strap by tightening the mounting nut. These are usually hand tightened.

6. Turn the power back on and try out your new light fixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a small bowl handy for screws so you don't lose them. Make sure your light fixture has its own switch to turn it on and off, otherwise your light will always be on.
• Electricity is dangerous and can cause electrical shock.

References

• Electrical Hardware Guides

Resources

• Electrical Fire Safety