Fit A Bathroom Light

Bathroom lights usually require one-way switches.

Bathroom lights generally need to have a feed cable---the cable that supplies the source of the power---coming into the bottom of the light switch box. A second cable is needed from the top of the light switch box to the location of the ceiling or wall light. When turned on, the one-way light switch allows power to reach the light fixture. When it is turned off, it breaks the electrical circuit so no power can pass through to the light. The cable is usually 12/2 or 14/2. Check with the local permit office for all requirements first.

Instructions

1. Turn off power at the main fuse box. Install the light switch box 48 inches off the floor to the top of the box (check local permit requirements for any deviation). Run the power feed cable into the bottom of the light switch, allowing 12 inches of cable to enter into the box. Screw or nail the light fixture box at the required location on the ceiling or wall. Drill holes in the necessary joists/studs using the 3/4-inch wood drill bit, to create a route for the cable to go from the switch to the ceiling fixture. Drill in the center of each stud/joist.

2. Run the cable from the top of the light switch box through the holes in the joists/studs and into the ceiling fixture box. Allow 12 inches to enter the light switch box and the ceiling fixture box. Strip the cable sheathing from the inside cables in both the switch box and the ceiling fixture box. Trim the ends of all cables (3/4 inch) with a workman's knife so that the bare wire is exposed.

3. Connect the white wire end in the ceiling box to the white wire end of the ceiling fixture, using a wire nut. Do the same for all the black wires. If the ceiling fixture box is metal, it will probably have a green ground wire attached to it. Connect this wire to the other green wires. Install the mounting fixture screws to the fixture box. Also install the lightbulbs and shades.

4. Install the light switch by connecting all green wires together using a wire nut. If there is a green wire connected to the box, include that also. Connect the white wires together with a wire nut. Connect the two black wires to the two screws on the light switch---the screws may be on the same side or opposite sides. Screw the light switch to the box and screw on the light switch cover. Turn on the power at the main fuse box. Turn on the light switch to check that the light is working.

Tags: light switch, ceiling fixture, switch ceiling, switch ceiling fixture, Bathroom lights