How to Swag a Light Fixture

A swag kit is a wiring kit that allows you to power certain light fixtures or ceiling fans by a wall outlet rather than having a circuit run across the ceiling. These kits are perfect for lighting installations where there is no current circuit available, or in areas where a ceiling joist is right where the light fixture should be installed. Swag kits generally include the wire, chain, an inline switch, hooks and wire connectors; in other words, pretty much everything you need to perform this job.

Things You'll Need

• Swag kit
• Wire strippers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Screw one of the large hooks into the ceiling joist where you are planning on hanging the light. Then evenly space out the other hooks in the direction of the wall outlet you will be using to power your swag light.

2. Measure how much chain you're going to need to install the swag light. The chain should extend from the top of the light to the last hook where the wire goes down the wall to the outlet. For decorative purposes, the chain should have a slight droop in between each hook.

3. Thread the wire through the chain links so it weaves in and out of the links.

4. Remove the top of the fixture where the wires are contained, and connect the last chain link to the hoop on the top of the light fixture. Insert the wire down through the threaded nipple and pull it out the other side.

5. Separate the two wires and strip 3/4 inch of insulation from their ends using the wire strippers.

6. Connect one of the wires to the black fixture wire, and connect the other wire to the white fixture wire. Make sure to tightly cap each connection with a wire connector, and wrap electrical tape around them.

7. Put the fixture back together and hang the fixture by the chain on the hook so that it hangs at the desired point.

8. Run the wire and chain to the next hook and any following hooks until it reaches the wall where the outlet is located.

9. Install the fixture's lightbulbs and plug the swag cord in to the outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can install an inline switch on the cord to allow for switched light control, or add a regular wall switch to the outlet circuit to control the power.