Replace Light Fixture With Switched Outlet

Update a closet wall light with a switched corded overhead light.

Disclaimer: Always use multiple sources and do your homework before performing any electrical work. Also, make sure all work is done within national and local code.

The first step in any electrical related work is to turn off the power. Flip the breaker off for the circuit you will be working on.

Remove the thumb screws and pull off the fixture cover. Before continuing with any work, use a voltage tester to confirm there are no hot wires in the box.

Once you have confirmed the wires are safe to handle, uncouple the wire connector caps and untwist the pigtails to free the fixture. Then unscrew the fixture bracket.

Make sure there is enough exposed copper on the end of each wire. If not remove some sheathing. Then make loops to connect to the outlet.

Loop the wires around the outlet screws. Connect the bare ground to the green screw, the white neutral to the silver screw, and the black hot wire to the gold screw. Make sure the wire loop end is pointing in the same direction that the screw is turned to help when tightening the screws. Once the outlet is connected push the wires back into the box and secure it in place. Then replace the outlet face plate.

Return to the breaker to turn the power back on for the circuit. Use an outlet tester to test that everything has been properly connected.

Hang the light and plug it in to the new switched outlet.