How to Wire for a New Ceiling Light | All About Lights | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House electrician Scott Caron installs a new switch and ceiling fixture for a homeowner.

#ThisOldHouse #AskTOH

Time: 2 hours

Cost: $100

Skill Level: Expert

Tools List for Wiring a New Ceiling Light:
Oscillating saw
Pliers
Drill

Shopping List:
LED light fixture
Electrical mounting box
Electrical single gang box
Electrical wire
Wire nuts
Electric staples
Fish tape
Electrical tape
Madison bars
Light switch
Light switch cover

Steps:
1. Before doing any electrical work, always shut off power to the house at the main breaker.
2. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted.
3. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw.
4. Determine a location for the light switch. It should be 48” from the floor.
5. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.
6. Locate a source of power for the switch, either at a junction box or at the main electrical panel.
7. Connect the electrical wire to your source of power using the pliers and wire nuts and fish it through the joists until it reaches the light switch. Secure the wire to the joists with electric staples.
8. Drill through the floor in the correct stud bay and send the wires for the switch and the light up to the switch using the fish tape.
9. Mount the electrical box with Madison bars in the wall and wire the switch.
10. Screw the switch into the box and then cover it with the cover plate.
11. Cut a temporary access hole in the wall and fish wires from the fixture mount in the ceiling to the temporary hole, and then from the temporary hole through the joist back down to the basement where the switch was wired.
12. Mount the electrical box in the ceiling with more Madison bars and screws.
13. Wire the new fixture in the box and mount it to the ceiling.
14. Patch the wall where the temporary hole was cut.
15. Turn the power back on.

Resources:

Basic electrical items like switch boxes, ceiling boxes, 14 gauge Romex wire, and switches can be found at a home center or electrical supply house.

Keywords: This Old House, How-to, home improvement, DIY, Scott Caron, electrical, Ask This Old House, repair, lighting

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How to Wire for a New Ceiling Light | All About Lights | Ask This Old House

[davidmarquardt]

Now for the first time she doesn't have to stumble through a dark room to turn the light on. A electrical feature the rest of us have enjoyed for about 70 years.

[ncooty]

Next home owner installs a ceiling fan from that box.

[igorovmaior]

1:31-1:41 Anyone else heard the beautiful music played by the oscillating saw?

[mattkrywyj]

My man definitely looked at it and 100% said "You got a light bulb"

[jamedlock]

Take a shot everytime she says "that sounds great"

[probegt]

I'm pretty sure the second half of this tutorial can be found on the Hub 🙃

[KingRune]

I like how he just puts the box on the ceiling without any measuring,

[warn]

Next home owner named Madison hangs a ceiling fan and realizes that thing is held up by only Madison bars..

[swss]

good thing he checked for joists in the ceiling before he cut!!

[nishantdole]

The way he is just snaking wires so easy I wish it was like that in real life ...

[cdixonify]

Wait! Was I the only one that didn't hear him say "cut the power first" especially since he stuck a screw driver in that

[kenc]

Nice install. Never heard of "madison bars" before. We have 3 external lights that are really LED panels--we like them (though they do have an industrial/commercial look, which wouldn't suit everyone).

[strangerofthe]

“We have.... are you ready for this?!?!?
LIGHT EMITTING DIODES!!!!”

Ah yes, the good old days.

[cup_and_cone]

Nice, an electrical video! The most controversial of all TOH videos... * Grabs popcorn *

[amandeepsingh]

Good video as always but don't like that he cuts through the main beam to pass wires. The beam already showing signs of wear and tear and lost strength over the years.

[juananaya]

Of coarse, they did not mention the power off before you do this. This should always be made as step 1.

[ClearWaterPumpWell]

How to install a ceiling light in a room in a house that is from the 40's. Step one make a hole in your ceiling that is probably not the center of the room or lined up with anything. Cut in a switch box anywhere on a wall and not locate the studs first. Make sure you use commercial box's with F tabs they make it really easy. Get power from just any random junction box that does not supply power to that room, which makes finding the breaker fun. Run your switch and hot wires after you make them up in a box so you can waste more wire. Don't worry about removing the switch tabs 6:04, so on a pop-in box your plate will just stick off the wall. Don't worry about finding a way to run the switch leg through a attic or other access, just cut a hole in your wall. Use a pop-in box in your ceiling, it will hold a ceiling fan when they decide they hate the ugly light. Last thing make sure your electrician fixes the hole he cut in the drywall, you'll never notice the patch!
My point is for gods sake if your going to make "How to Videos" and your a "Professional", at least do things correctly and don't leave out important details!

[Jack-vmfg]

The wall construction is unlike anything I have seen. how did he get the fish tape through the header stud at the top of the wall? Is there one? 6:10

[justadude]

I love this old house! I watched it when I was 5 and I still watch it at age 19!

[vsmit.h]

Scott's saw was a musical instrument!