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Electrical Wire and Cable


Wiring a Light Fixture to a Switched Outlet


I want to install a light in a ceiling to control by a switch that controls a plug. How to Install a Light in a Ceiling that is Controlled by a Wall Switch that Operates an Outlet.



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How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Ceiling Light and Wall Switch
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I want to install a light in a ceiling to control by a switch that controls a plug.

This electrical question came from: Phillip in Kentucky.

Additional Comments: From what I see thus far it appears to be the answer to my question.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Phillip

How to Install a Ceiling Light to a Wall Switch that Operates an Outlet

Using a Switched Outlet to Power a Light Fixture

Installing  a Light that will be controlled by a wall switch that already operates an outlet requires identifying and understanding  the existing electrical wires.

Installing a Ceiling Light Controlled by a Wall Switch that Operates an Outlet

Using a Switched Outlet for a Light Fixture

More about Wiring a Ceiling Light and Switch

How to Wire a Switch
electrical-switches

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
electrical-wire

Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

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
....and much more.


Learn more about 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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Wiring a Light Fixture to a Switched Outlet”
  1. ted cocco says:

    I installed a new light fixture. I ran 14-2 Romex to an existing switched outlet. The outlet had only a black and a white wire, and the circuit is on a 15 amp circuit breaker. I tied three black wires together, one from the switch, one from the new Romex light fixture and one jumper. I also did that with the white wires. I tied the ground from the new Romex to a screw inside the existing metal outlet box. finally I tied my black jumper to the screw on outlet that held the previous black wire. I did the same with the white jumper to where the white wire was previously on the outlet.

    I test lit the new fixture and it worked great. I just feel like something is not right. Anyone out there to ease my mind? did i do it right?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Ted,
    The best way to know if the electrical wiring is correct is if the voltage readings are correct at the source of the power, the voltage is correct at the light fixture, and the wiring methods are correct and to code, and the only way to be sure of that is to have your additional electrical wiring inspected.
    Dave