How to Install a Light Fixture Yourself in 8 Steps

Gather and Organize Tools and Supplies

Set up your workspace, so everything you need is within easy reach. Use a table to set out your materials in a way that makes them quick and easy to find—small containers like tin cans or plastic tubs keep smaller objects such as screws and rings in one place. 

If there are no windows in the space, you can set up a flood or floor lamp using an extension cord to an outlet outside of your work area. Working in the dark is an added challenge you don’t need. 

Plan the Wiring and Fixture Location

If your home isn’t pre-wired for a new light, the location of your fixture depends on where you find power. A non-contact voltage tester can help you find a power source—look for an outlet closest to where you want to install your fixture. 

Use painter's tape to mark the fixture location, where you want your light switch, and the power source you are taking from. Keep it simple and put the light switch directly above the outlet. Plan to run the wire from the outlet or junction box to the new fixture and then to the light switch. It's easier if you have access to an unfinished attic or crawlspace above or below your work area. Otherwise, you can make holes in the drywall for every stud you want to cross.

Pre-Assemble Parts

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Take your light fixture out of the box and review the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the type of light fixture, pre-assemble any parts that can go together now. Double-check that your fixture doesn’t require more power than you have. And be sure to set aside the mounting plate and any included screws for the plate installation.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

You don’t want to add drywall repair to your list of things to do for this project, so plan carefully. Use your drywall saw to cut the holes for your light fixture and light switch box. Try not to jab too deep into the wall, or you may damage the insulation or other utilities running there.

Measure the length of electrical wire you need to run from the outlet to the light switch and from the light switch to the fixture, along the route you planned. Add extra for error and cut your wire. Use your tape to mark both wires at both ends, so you know which is which.

Rough in the Electrical Outlet

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Remove the cover to the outlet and remove the outlet, leaving the ground wire in place. You don’t want to exceed the circuit capacity, so remove the outlet and put a blank wall plate on it at the end.

Here’s where things get tricky, but fish tape can be a big help. Use the fish tape to thread a new electrical wire from the outlet to the light switch hole. Leave 4 to 6 inches of new cable hanging out of the junction box and the light switch box, and move to the next step. 

Rough in the Light Fixture

While you can DIY this all on your own, this part is best done with a helper. If you are working from an attic, have one person use the fish tape to run one end of the wire into the wall through the ceiling, along the joist, and down the light switch hole. The other person will watch for the wire and pull it through the light switch hole. Repeat for the fixture hole.

Once the wire is through both the fixture hole and the switch hole, tack it to a joist in the attic to keep it from being pulled either way. Now, you should have one old wire and one new wire at the outlet site, two new wires hanging out of the light switch hole, and one new wire hanging from the light fixture.

Connect the Electrical Wires

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Start by running the new wire through the mounting plate. Anchor the mounting plate to the wall stud: Don’t rely on drywall to hold the weight of your fixture. 

With the wire hanging down from the hole in the mounting plate, you can attach the fixture. 

• Strip the electrical wire to expose the black and white wires and the ground wire. 

• Locate the related wires in your new fixture.

• Connect all the like-colored wires using the wire nuts. You may need a partner to hold the fixture while you connect the wires.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the best place to put the wires, either in the ceiling or in the fixture.

• Attach the light fixture according to the instructions. 

Light Switch

First, knock out the cable holes in the device box. Thread the two electrical wires through the holes in the box and secure the box to the wall. It should be as flush to the wall as possible.

In the device box, strip the wires exposing the three smaller wires, then strip the white and black coated wires exposing about 3/4 of an inch of raw wire. Twist the old and new ground wires together with a wire connector. Do the same with the white wires. Tuck them all into the box. 

Make J-hooks at the ends of the black wires. Attach the wires to the side of the light switch at the screws, and tighten the screws. Install the light switch into the box and lightly secure it into place at the top and bottom. Check that the switch is centered by placing the plate over top. If it needs adjusting, you can wiggle it gently left and right until you have it centered. Tightly fasten the screws, and then place the plate over top and fasten it in place.

Outlet

Now connect the wire from the light switch to the outlet. Strip the wires as you did in the section above. Use wire connectors to connect the white wires together and the black wires together Add the new ground wire to the old ground wire and secure them back into place. With all the wires connected, tuck them into the box. Attach the blank plate. 

Turn the Power On

At the breaker box, flip the power back on. Flip your light switch on and enjoy your new lighting.