How to Add a Wall Switch to Light Fixture Controlled by a Chain

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide where you want to place your switch.

   Generally wall switches are on the right-hand side, a few feet/metres past the door opening.
   
   Go around your house and measure the height of other switches. 60" or
   1.5m from the floor is common.
2. 2

   Step 2: Always turn off the power to the fixture.

   If there are other people in the home, always tell them that you have turned off the power, or leave a note on the breaker/fuse box so someone doesn't accidentally turn it.  ,, Remove the black (or "hot") wire only.
   
   Leave the white (or "neutral") and any ground (green or bare) wires on the fixture. ,, Always use screw-on wire connectors..never use electrical tape.
   
   Ensure that the connection is tight , Mark on the plastic sheathing with a permanent marker so that anyone will know this is now a "hot" wire. , You should now have a white and re-coded black wire on your fixture. , Strip black and white wires as in step
   5.
   
   Connect the ground wire to the electrical box itself (there should be a screw at the back or side of the box). ,, This will be the top of your switch. , Ensure that both screws are secure and screw the switch into the electrical box.
   
   Do not attach the cover until you check that everything functions correctly ,, If it does not, double check that you have not turned off the fixture from the chain/cord. , You can still use the chain, however this defeats the purpose of having a wall switch. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Measure the distance from your fixture to the location of your new switch...always add an extra 12" or 30 centimeter (11.8 in) to your measurement - it's always better to have too much electrical wire than not enough.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check your fixture with a power tester to ensure that there is no power.

5. 5

   Step 5: Strip 2"/5 centimeter (2.0 in) of the plastic sheathing from the end of the black and white wires.

6. 6

   Step 6: Connect the black wire from the electrical cable with the black wire you just removed from your fixture.

7. 7

   Step 7: Using a black marker

8. 8

   Step 8: "re-code" the white wire from your electrical cable to black.

9. 9

   Step 9: Connect your re-coded "hot" wire to the fixture.

10. 10

    Step 10: At your new wall switch

11. 11

    Step 11: pull all the wires through the back of the electrical box.

12. 12

    Step 12: You will need to re-code the white wire as a "hot" wire with a marker

13. 13

    Step 13: as in step 7

14. 14

    Step 14: Screw the black wire to the top screw on your switch.

15. 15

    Step 15: Screw your newly re-coded second "hot" wire (white) to the bottom screw.

16. 16

    Step 16: Flick the switch to the "off" position

17. 17

    Step 17: then turn on power to the fixture.

18. 18

    Step 18: Test that your new switch works.

19. 19

    Step 19: You should always leave the light"on" at the chain/cord in order to have full control from the wall switch.

20. 20

    Step 20: Provided everything works

21. 21

    Step 21: you can close up your light fixture and attach a switch plate cover.

Detailed Guide

About the Author