Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Install A Bathroom Vanity Light With An Outlet

Vanity lights with built-in outlets offer convenience in the bathroom.








Bathroom vanity lights often come with an integrated electrical outlet. This outlet lets you plug in devices like electric razors without requiring the addition of an extra outlet in your bathroom. This can be an important convenience, particularly if the bathroom is old and has limited electrical outlets. You can install the vanity light and outlet using the existing lighting wiring from the old lighting.


Instructions


1. Turn off the power to the circuit you'll be working on at the breaker box for your home. It's extremely important that you never attempt to work on a live electrical circuit.


2. Place the mounting plate for the vanity light on the wall in the location where you plan to install the light. Screw the mounting plate into the wall using the supplied hardware and a screwdriver, ensuring that the electrical wiring for the light routes through the opening in the center of the mounting plate.


3. Remove 1/2-inch of insulation from the ends of the black and white wires on the electrical wires using a set of wire strippers.


4. Place the bare ends of the white wire from the vanity light and the white wire from the electrical wiring together and slide a wire nut over the ends of the wires. Twist the wire nut until it's securely fastened. Wrap a 3-inch piece of electrical tape around the wires and the wire nut for extra insurance.


5. Place the bare ends of the black wire from the vanity light and the black wire from the electrical wiring together and slide a wire nut over the ends of the wires. Twist the wire nut until it's securely fastened. Wrap a 3-inch piece of electrical tape around the wires and the wire nut for extra insurance.








6. Slide the vanity light onto the mounting plate. Most will have several protruding bolts that correspond to holes in the vanity light. Line these up and push the light onto the bolts. Place the nuts supplied with the vanity onto the ends of the bolts and tighten them with your fingers. Turn the power to the circuit back on.

Tags: mounting plate, wire from, electrical wiring, vanity light, vanity light