How to Mount a Wall Light

Install a wall light for more atmosphere.

You have many choices for lighting additions to your house, and wall lighting is one of the best for providing localized illumination and atmosphere. Wall lights are available in numerous styles, and you install them in similar fashion. The manufacturer provides a mounting plate that you attach to the electrical box, then you connect the light to the house electrical circuitry and mount it on the plate. Of course, first you have to run the wires to the light.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Drywall saw
• Remodel electrical box
• Electrical wire
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Wire strippers
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Trace an outline of an electrical box where you'll install the light, using a pencil, and cut around the outline with a drywall saw. To avoid having to remove a large piece of drywall that you have to repair afterward, use a remodel box that you can attach directly to the surface of the drywall.

2. Run a live circuit wire to the light, being sure that the power to the wire is off. This wire will typically come from a nearby wall switch or electrical outlet. You can often pass a wire more easily by making holes in the top plate of the wall, running the wire through the attic, and dropping it down to the light from there.

3. Feed the wire through the back of the electrical box, giving yourself about 8 inches of slack, then attach the electrical box to the drywall by hooking the screw anchors around the drywall and tightening the screws with a screwdriver.

4. Screw the mounting plate that came with the light to the electrical box with the screws provided.

5. Remove about 6 inches of sheathing from the circuit wire with a utility knife. Separate the wires inside and strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation from the black and white wires with a wire stripper.

6. Twist the black wire together with the black wire from the light with pliers, then twist on one of the wire caps that came with the light. Connect the white wires in the same way. Twist together the bare, or ground wires, but leave these uncapped.

7. Push the wires into the electrical box, and screw the light fixture onto the mounting plate with the screws that came with the light.

8. Turn on the power and test the light.

Tips & Warnings

• If your light weighs more than 5 lbs., use an electrical box that you can nail to an adjacent stud. Remove a larger section of drywall to do this.

• Do not make any electrical connections until you are sure the power to the circuit is off. If you are not sure, test the ends of the black and white wires with a voltage tester.

References

• Lighting Direct: How to Install a Wall Sconce
• Better Home and Gardens: Adding Wall Sconces