Ceiling Light Wiring Using Connectors

Wiring connectors join together different electrical circuits. When you’re wiring your ceiling light, you use wire connectors to bind together the different sets of wires that connect the light to the ceiling box. Doing your own wiring can definitely be intimidating, and although you certainly can learn how to do it on your own, given the risks involved, this is a task recommended only for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. Remember to exercise the utmost safety precautions when working on a task that involves electrical wiring, and try to have an extra set of hands around while you’re up on the ladder. Don’t forget to read the handy tips outlined below on how to wire a ceiling light with connectors.

Step 1 – Cut the Power

Before you even think of getting started with your wiring project, cut the power to the circuit breaker and warn everyone else in the house that you will be doing so.

Step 2 – Mark Your Positions

Measure the room you’re working in with your tape measure and determine the precise center. Climb up on your ladder with a pencil and the light fixture mount box. Make an X on the center of the ceiling. Use the stud finder to locate any studs or joists and adjust your placement accordingly. Then, use the pencil to trace the outline of the mount box on that area. Cut that shape out with the drywall saw. Go down to the wall, determine where you want the light switch to be, trace its outline on the wall, and cut that piece of drywall out as well.

Step 3 – Run the NM Cable

Go to the control panel closest to the light switch in your home. Use your voltage tester to ensure that there is no electric current, then attach your NM cable to the electrical panel and label it “feed.” Run the cable between the hole for the light fixture and the hole for the switch, leaving a good foot of extra cable. Then, feed the cable through the ceiling mount box, removing the outer sheath with the Romex stripper and trimming the wires to 6 inches in length.

Step 4 – Connect the Wires

Install the ceiling box and the mounting bracket for the light fixture. Start connecting the NM cable wires to the light fixture wires. Black goes to black, white goes to white, and green or bare copper goes to green or bare copper. Each set of colors gets one wire connector. Then, wrap each connection with electrical tape.

Step 5 – Install the Light

Push the wires up behind the fixture, install the light bulb, and then install the globe or any other type of covering.

Step 6 – Connect the Wires at the Light Switch

Repeat step 4 in the box for the light switch and install the switch and cover plate. Finally, finish making the connections in the electrical panel.