How To Install Ceiling Light Without Existing Wiring

This video demonstrates Installing a new ceiling light in a bedroom where there was no junction box or wiring installed. I used the switch on the wall and rewired the outlets which originally were switched (top outlet controlled by a wall switch) to always powered outlets and the wall switch then controlling the ceiling light. Sections or "chapters" of this video are listed below with the corresponding time stamp so you can jump around to fit your project needs.

Note: This is just for entertainment purposes only and you will need to check the electrical code in your area and also ensure all circuits are off during any of the work. Your safety is in your own hands.

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:12 Planning Out How To Route New Wires
4:11 Cutting Access Holes in Drywall
5:23 Fishing the New Wires Through Ceiling and Walls
8:05 Junction Box and Light Install
9:05 Rewiring Switched Outlets to New Ceiling Light
14:20 Testing New Light and Outlet Wiring

Tools Used

Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[igoski]

My tip; when cutting out the wall sheetrock next to the ceiling you went ALL THE WAY to the ceiling. By doing this, you have to mud the corner INTO the ceiling too. To keep mud out of the ceiling and corner, and then having mud on the ceiling too, you know the top plate is 3 inches wide. Only cut the wall sheetrock 3/4 of an inch above the bottom of the top plate. That gives you the wood to mount the sheetrock and room for the wall mud only without having to mud a corner into the ceiling.

[cricketpickett]

Just wanted to say thank you 😊 huge help and great tips for me to self install a new ceiling light and connect it to the light switch in my dad’s office. I’m not tool illiterate or don’t have any handy man skills but I’m always super hesitant when it comes to working with anything electrical. I followed your advice and instructions and was able to complete it all by myself! Woot woot!! My dad is 75 and an amputee so we moved in with him and my mom two years ago to help out caring for him and their home. Any project that I or my husband can do ourselves is an huge help too since they’re both retired on a fixed income. I subscribed and plan on using more videos in the near future to help with fixing, updating and upgrading their home with making it easier and more accessible for my dad 💜🖤

[Wastinglotsoftime]

Omg, finally someone makes a video about my exact situation. Everyone else makes videos going into the attic or basement.

[Danielthornton]

Tip:
To avoid the nail/screw pops that you made when you first hit the hole saw into the ceiling, either drill with a paddle bit for a starter hole or use an oscillating saw to make your cut.

[martindriver]

Been in the same house for 30 years and always wanted to do this. Its hard when living on a budget and not wanting to mortgage my home so i do most things on my own. This is going to help. Thanks.

[jon-klmk]

That laundry room drop ceiling made it so much easier to run the wiring. It would had sucked if he had to drill a hole through the top plate plus having the ceiling joist running the same way as your wiring installation. Dang i wish half of my jobs were that easy : ) Great video!

[JimChristensen-pnrt]

This was EXCELLENT! Thank you for sharing the step-by-step procedures to install power on a limited ceiling access. As a former principal, your “lesson plan” was terrific. Appreciate the info regarding the resources. 👏

[thediyguy_handson]

your attention to details inspire me to be better on everything that I do, that is the way to success

[keithharrington]

Hey brother, I have seen several of your videos and you do good work.

Three things for your viewers:

I am an electrical guy. I believe the 2020 code requires electric ceiling boxes be able to support fans with a few exceptions. Several have asked....they make those bar/box kits for ceiling fans.

The easy rule of thumb with neutrals in switchboxes is, yes!, A neutral in each switch box. There are exceptions and the conduit run should make this job exempt. This is so automatic lights have a current return path that is not a ground.

And not mentioned is a ground in the switch box. Yes the conduit should count, but the easy rule of thumb is to run one.

Keep up the good work and if anyone needs a reference, I can get my book out for the specific numbers or provide proof that I do not know everything.

Thanks

[LuisLarreaJr]

Only thing I'd recommend would be if you're going through the trouble of using twist caps, use your pliers to twist them first then put the cap on top. I've removed twist caps for Wago's in my home but in doing so, I've developed a respect for how well pretwisted connections work.

[chintancioco-torres]

I like people that do the job efficiently and effectively. I don't know if your professional worker but you nailed it an awesome job.

[binkhalifa]

As a DIYer myself, I like your laymen speak and how you tackled the project. Well done! I have a ceiling fan project that the wife has bestowed on me - . My outlet and switch situation are similar to yours and thanks for your tips on leveraging the existing switch to control the ceiling fan. My switch is for the wall outlet which I don't need - it's better for my usage to convert the wall outlet to always ON.

[anhhaineou.s.a]

I like how this man performs and explains. Easy to understand and learn. Thank you very much.

[princetonacrugby]

Check your local building codes only because for condos, if multi-floor buildings, you typically cannot just put a hole in the ceiling. It creates a fire hazard because the "firewall" between floors has been compromised. I had this same issue, rewired it myself. I then decided to move and rent the condo. The inspectors made me open a permit and install a fire-retardant "hood" that you pop through the hole. It's a dome you push through the hole and it covers the hole and junction box. It is fireproof or resistant and is allowed by code.

[scorpven]

You can also cut only 3 sides of the drywall and insert the saw at a 45 degree angle then snap the uncut 4th side to act as hinges. This was you can simply fold it back and just apply mud inside and out. The reason for no taping is because of the 45 degree cut.

[jiujitsuforall]

Sir, I appreciate the way you do your videos, how you explain things simply and straightforward, without talking down to us or talking over MY head. Mostly, I appreciate how you inspire me to tackle projects that I previously feared. So thanks!

[douglas]

As a remodeler, I always install ceiling boxes to hold the weight of a fan, because inevitably...someday someone will try to hang on from it. Good technique though.

[gregoryvanhalen]

Great video. Did the same thing a couple years ago. Tip- cut the drywall very carefully using a razor and use the same piece you cut out, to put back in.

[BigmoRivera]

Great Job Nicely Done 👍🏽⚡️ Always Remember To Hook Up The Ground Wire First, And Hot Wire Last

[mendodsoregonbackroads]

I didn’t know about the isolation tab on the outlet before. Nice tip. One of the things that has bothered me for decades is the practice of not having a ceiling light wired to a switch and instead having it wired to the outlets. That has always been a WTF!?! thing for me. I mean if switchable outlets is something you might think someone would want than do that, but there needs to be at least one light fixture in the ceiling, with the switch by the door.