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Light Fixture Conversions and Electrical Safety


I want to convert a brand new hard wire fixture to a plug in – is this safe to do?



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How to Know if Light Fixture Conversions Are Safe
Background: Mara, a Homeowner from
[ad#block]Question: I want to convert a brand new hard wire fixture to a plug in. The fixture has a white, black & ground wire. Also a ceramic base for the 60 watt incandescent bulb. The instructions say to connect with wiring rated for at least 167 degrees F. Can I use 2 wire lamp cord? What about the ground wire? Can I put the switch on the cord? Is this safe to do?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mara.
Mara your last question was the most important – is this safe to do? The answer is this – If this fixture is designed to be hard wired, that is connected using electrical conduit or to mount to an electrical junction box then you should not convert it.  When the design of a light fixture has been altered or the wiring of the fixture has been changed where it no longer provides circuit integrity , safety and grounded protection then a conversion should not be performed. Understandably, I have not detailed information to go by, so this is the best advise I can provide for you.

I have provided the following links that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Safety

Electrical Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

Electrical Wire for the Home

Electrical Calculations and Formulas

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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