How to Wire a Wall Sconce

Wall sconces are used for a variety of purposes. They can add light to dark areas of a room or light a stairwell or hallway. Wall sconces are not typically used for the main lighting. They are most often used to provide a soft illuminating glow. Wall sconces can even be strategically placed to illuminate wall decorations, or a specific corner of a room that you want to be a subtle, yet noticeable focal point. There are many styles to choose from that will go with most any decor.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips head screwdriver Flat tip screwdriver

Remove and ReplacWall Sconce

1. Turn the power off at the junction box.This will keep you from accidentally getting shocked. The junction box is typically located in the garage, but can also be in the utility room or a closet. Test the area where the light will be installed to make sure that the power is off. You can test the area by trying to turn on the old wall sconce before you remove it.

2. Remove the globe from the wall sconce. Loosen the screws that are holding the globe in place. Remove the light bulbs or bulb if there is only one. Set out of the way to avoid stepping on them.

3. Loosen and remove the decorative nuts that secure the sconce to the wall. Some lights will have two nuts and some will only have one in the center. Pull the sconce away from the wall. Remove the wire nuts from the black wires and from the white wires. Wire nuts are caps that keep the ends of the wires twisted together and also keep them from coming in contact with each other. Remove the copper or green ground wire from the mounting bracket There is a green screw on the mounting bracket. Loosen the screw to release the wire.

4. Loosen and remove the screws from the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is the part that holds the sconce securely to the wall. The bracket is secured to the electrical box in the wall. If your new light has the exact same mounting bracket there is no need to remove the old one.

5. Install the new mounting bracket to the electrical box. Use your flat-tip screw driver to install the screws that hold the bracket to the electrical box. There is a hole for the bracket on each side of the electrical box. Connect the two white wires together. Hold the ends together. Place a wire nut over the ends and then twist until the cap is tight. Repeat this process with the two black wires. Connect the copper or green wire to the green screw on the mounting bracket, and tighten the screw. Push the wires back into the electrical box.

6. Insert the set screws into the mounting bracket if your light has them. There will be two screws. Insert them by hand. Place one on each side of the mounting bracket. Insert far enough to secure it. You must leave the mounting screws out far enough for the wall sconce to slide onto the screws. Place the decorative nuts or caps on the ends of the mounting screws. These nuts will secure the sconce to the mounting bracket.

7. Insert a light bulb and turn the power back on. Test the light to be sure that it is working. Place the globe on the wall sconce and tighten the set screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you turn off the power to avoid being shocked.

References

• Installing a Sconce
• Wiring Instructions