How To Install A Sconce Light Fixture

A sconce light fixture creates a low level of illumination that can make a room feel larger than it actually is. Follow these steps to install this popular type of fixture.

Tools and Materials Needed

• 2 or More Cut-in Electrical Boxes
• Drywall or Keyhole Saw
• Screwdriver
• Side Cutting Pliers
• Wire Strippers
• Fish Tape
• Drill
• Light Switch
• 1.5” Paddle Bit
• 12 x 2 Electrical Wire
• Phillips and Flathead Screwdriver

Before beginning, turn off power to the room you will be working in to prevent electrical shock.

Step 1 – Pick Your Location

Select the location you will be installing your wall sconce[s]. Keep in mind that the ideal height for a wall sconce is 72 inches from the floor. Mark on the wall the location on the wall with a pencil.

You will also need to select a location for a light switch, ideally beside existing switches. If possible, put it in the same stud bay as an existing electrical outlet.

Step 2 – Make Cuts

Using the inside portion of a standard cut-in electrical box as a template, draw horizontal rectangles for the sconce locations and a vertical rectangle for the light switch location. Use your drywall to saw cut them out. The initial cut should follow the line, but additional trimming may be necessary to insert the cut-in boxes.

Step 3 – Drilling the Holes

Using your drill and a 1.5-inch paddle bit, drill a hole in the top stud on the inside of the wall. Make sure the hole is into the same stud bay as the light's box. Do this for each of the sconces you are installing, the light switch and, if necessary, the electrical outlet for the switch.

Step 4 – Running the Wire

Beginning at the farthest sconce light, run a 12 x 2 electrical wire to the next sconce. Continue this until the final sconce, and then run an electrical wire from the final sconce to the light switch. Finally, run a 12 x 2 electrical wire from the switch to the electrical outlet.

Step 5 – Install the Cut-In Boxes

Run the wires into the cut-in boxes and insert the boxes into the wall. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws until the wings anchor up to the drywall and the cut-in box is flush with the drywall.

Step 6 – Mount the Sconces

Install the sconces' mounting brackets to the cut-in boxes using the supplied screws. Connect the wires to each of the sconces. Remember, black wire is hot, white is neutral and the ground wire has exposed copper. Tie the ground into the green grounding screw. Finally, hang the wall sconce from the bracket.

Step 7 – Install the Light Switch

Install the light switch into the cut-in box. The wire going to the electrical outlet will connect to the constant hot side. The wire going to the first sconce in the chain will go to the switched side. The copper screw is hot, the silver screw is neutral and the green screw is the ground. On the wires, the black wire is hot, the white wire is neutral and the exposed copper wire is the ground. Both grounding wires will go to the same ground post.

Step 8 – Tie the Wire into The Electrical Outlet

Connect the electrical wire going to the electrical outlet into the receptacle. Remember, the black wire will connect to a copper screw, the white wire to the silver screw and the exposed copper wire connects to the green ground post.

Step 9 – Turn On the Power and Test

Now that the wiring and installation is done, install low-wattage bulbs in the sconces and turn the power on to the room using your breaker panel. Test the lights using the switch