How to Wire Bulkhead Lights

Bulkhead lights are usually installed to provide additional lighting in a room where a bulkhead is installed. For the device to function, it has to be wired to an existing switch or a new switch. The installation is a lot faster if there is a switch already in place.

Step 1 – Preparation

The fixture should be connected to a dedicated circuit and should not share the circuit with any other fixture. Prior to wiring the device, read the instructions manual to determine how to mount the fixture to a space in the bulkhead. Use the mounting template to properly drill screw holes into a joist in the ceiling or the wall. Mount the fixture to the opening and commence with the wiring process.

Step 2 – Run the Cables

Shut down the main power supply and remove the cover from the breaker panel. Check if there are any unused circuit breakers in the panel. If there are none, purchase one from an electrical supply store. Ensure that the circuit specifications are suited for light fixtures. In addition, purchase a switch and other wiring materials.

Plan the location of the switch and cut an opening enough to fit the electrical box. Run the cable wire from the breaker panel to the location of the switch. Insert the end of the cable into knockout on the side of the panel and electrical box. Fit the box into the opening on the wall. Run another cable from the location of the switch to the location of the light fixture.

Step 3 – Connect the Wires

On all ends of the cable remove at least 2 inches of the sheathing (5 inches for the breaker) and strip 1/2 inch of insulation on all black and white wires. Start wiring from the location of the bulkhead light. Locate the wiring harness on the fixture. The hotwire is either colored brown or red. The neutral wire is colored blue or black. The ground wire should be colored green or yellow. Use a wire nut to connect the black wire from the cable to the hotwire on the harness. Connect the white wire from the cable to the neutral wire on the harness. Connect both ground wires to a grounding screw on the fixture.

On the location of the switch, connect both black wires to the terminal screws on the switch. Connect both white wires together. Hook both ground wires to the ground screw. Secure the switch and install the cover plate.

On the breaker panel, connect the black wire to the screw on the circuit breaker. Attach the ground wire and neutral wire to the neutral bus bar. Snap the circuit breaker in to panel. Tuck the wires inside the panel. Double check all connections. Install a 60W light bulb on the light fixture socket. Turn on the main power supply and flip the light switch. Cover the breaker panel.