How to Add a Light from an Outlet

In this video, Chris shows how to wire a new light with a wall switch powered by an existing outlet. This is useful to add a light fixture in your garage, shop, basement, or attic.
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[@Curtoise]

Super helpful. I'm about to do this to wire a light in our walk in closet I'm building. Definitely appreciate the awesome guide!

[@keithp115]

My wife has asked for years to install a light in the basement storage room, used for her holiday decorations. We used battery operated motion lights that were a nuisance. I used YOUR tutorial to the tee, and the project came out perfect. Thank you very much sir!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@danielschoeffler2031]

I've watched many videos on this topic but didn't fully understand it feel confident with doing the project until this. You're seriously the man. Appreciate you.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@smeldaroses2082]

You are by far the best RUclips teacher to instruct new students on how to do 'Electrical Wiring 101'. Your teaching props are the best too. Thanks so muchfor your time putting this video together.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@axselzavala5575]

😊😊😊😊😅😊k by HF

[@danielslandscapellc5880]

👍 agree

[@danielcontreras9343]

This is no man. This is a god amongst mortals.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks but no.

[@Mark1959Holladay]

Thank you sparky as a very old drywaller/carpenter I am always a little nervous about getting in over my head, but you really did a great job explaining this and now my new closet and mud room have light. Well done:)

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@takobear7522]

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I’m 27 years old. Been in the countertop industry for 5 years. Which boosted my love of fixing stuff on my own. Currently I am learning framing and electrical work

[@handydadtv]

You’ll be an expert in no time. 👍🏻

[@isaacwolowik]

Incredible video. Very clear and simple. You don’t overexplain or rush through the process. Thank you so much.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure! Thanks so much 😊

[@EricF1238]

I love how basic and straight forward you made this… great video!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@christinadeaver9878]

This video was so helpful for helping us wire some new switches to new lights without having to do a bunch of stuff! Thank you so much. I love wago nuts too. 😁

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeremiahnielsen3338]

I just found your videos and I am so thankful for your instruction. Your simple step by step guidance is amazing! I was able to wire multiple switches and lights after watching your video. Thanks so much.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@frostythebeerman6324]

Just found your channel, you are an awesome teacher ! Subbed and liked ! Off to see the other video you were talking about in this video ( too bad there's no link to it, but I'll go and try to find it ) Love the way you teach, you don't leave any step out, and never *assume* that your viewer knows something, and THAT is the mark of a great teacher. Thank you ! 🙂

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!
I always try to link related videos. Which one were your looking for?

[@janitzagarcia3118]

Graduating electrical trade school next week and I learned 3 new things from this videos . Keep posting videos super helpful and informing.😊

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@geraldfer]

This IS the best explanation that I have seen in a while...I have to add track lighting over my kitchen island...Thank You For This Class 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿✅✅✅👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@justingreen4450]

You're an excellent teacher. One of the best tutorial videos I have seen on RUclips. Glad I found your channel, and I subscribed. Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@diegocalderon3221]

From a dad to another dad, thank you! Very well explained, good resource.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@rangerpickle9905]

You just answered all my questions. I have been researching this for months. Couldn’t get a clear answer. Thank you

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@mattmorrisson9607]

Super simple and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@viiprr6063]

You’re electrical videos are amazing and help me so much. I’m subscribing

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@amyschenck9433]

Thank you for the tips, fellow New Jersian. You rock

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@youdiscovertruth272]

Without a doubt, you are the best 'teacher' when it comes to making sense of wiring. Thank you so much.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@hgutierr]

Wow! I didn't know you could control half an outlet with a switch! I have only seen a switch controlling the whole outlet. This is the only part I missed & need to review again. Great video! 👍🏽

[@handydadtv]

That’s this video: ruclips.net/video/5D4itWGtTVQ/видео.html

[@dawnallison6864]

Thank you. Your explanation are very clear and simple to understand.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@DaniloSantos-ug4ny]

Simple and straight to the point! TY!!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeff15]

You helped me today set up my first new connection from scratch. Brand new switch connection to a brand new light bulb. Thank you again. So clear and straight to the point. Hope you have a wonderful new year 😊

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@teknisijamet]

Please allow me to participate in understanding and learning about the installation that has been tutorialized 🙏🏿

[@paulrodriguez1282]

Awesome!!! Again, another awesome video!! Well explained and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing and teaching us. Great video.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@explorabruno5292]

Thank you so much! Perfect explanation. My shed looks bright now.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@sauchoi1025]

I like your teaching because it's easy to understand for us with no experience,like it.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@t0chen06]

Best instruction video for beginners by far! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@theangryrktkt8385]

This was a fantastic tutorial. I have watched five this morning to get me an answer, and yours is by far the cleanest and easiest to understand, and I love the visual aid board. The only clarification I would make is when wiring a switch it does matter which black is connected to which post. The only reason it matters is because of how you walk into the room And flip the switch. Most off positions are down in a toggle switch, and if the black is in the wrong position, the toggle switch may be up in that position. Definitely not a big deal since you can rotate the device to achieve that aesthetic goal rather than rewire the device. I also wrap my entire device with electrical tape to conceal or cover the screw heads. But that’s just me.

[@handydadtv]

Wiring can affect a 3-way switch, but not a regular toggle switch. When on, both wires are connected so it doesn’t matter which one is line vs. load.

[@MsJax1967]

Thank you. Your tutorial was so easy to follow and informative.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@dionadams7372]

You are a true master, thank you so much for your instructions.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks but please don’t say that. It’ll just infuriate the real electricians.

[@tayloredart]

Thank you, I'll return for more direction. Very clear and well shot

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Xzacktly22]

This guy deserves all the subscribers!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@bobbykay1135]

Recently had to add a light to a closet ....going from an outlet to the new light. THANKYOU so much for this EXCELLENT video/tutorial !!!!! Saved the day for me as I was unsure on how-to get this done. GREAT job....will try to DL this lesson for future use. You are great....clear and easy to understand.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@handydadtv]

BTW, downloading isn’t the answer. Put this video in a private playlist on RUclips so you can always refer to it.

[@sandrinebrisebois2795]

Your video was EXACTLY what I needed!! Thank you so much 🥰

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@q4prez823]

I AM SO GLAD YOU EXPLAINED EVERYTHING! My grandmother wired her own house (5k sq ft.) about 8-9 years ago. She was teaching me how to do it on my new home I am building (4500 sq ft.) but I needed it explained to me more in depth. I am about to install new lights in my home I live in now and this video was perfect for me! Thank you so much!

[@handydadtv]

I’m Glad it was helpful! But let me explain why you might NOT want to do this.
The best practice is to have lighting on separate circuits from outlets. The reason is that appliances plugged into the circuit will cause lights to flicker, especially LED lights. So if at all possible, add your new lights to a lighting circuit, if you have any. Otherwise consider running a new circuit from the panel. If neither of those is an option, then you have no choice. But at least you’re well informed.

[@rodneyring6592]

Great video. Used this to re-wire my outlet and light in the kitchen. Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@thirdcoast2995]

Fantastic video. Exactly what I needed for my project.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@orchidstuffplus]

Great job and clear lessons! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeffsteil]

Thanks Chris - great demo!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@quantumstone992]

I like the way you teach, and simplified the way to do the job. Thanks to show how to do. For me it's been very useful. God bless.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@BigBabeProductions]

Great Video. No nonsense and Easy To Understand. Thank You !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@ronzineg]

This is Awesome Sir! Thank you for these educational videos. Helped me out a lot.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeffreyibarra9969]

Thank you, today I wired a light in my closet using your video. Best video so far I watched on this and gave me the confidence to do it.

[@handydadtv]

Glad to hear!

[@jozell0]

Awesome video. You definitely have a gift of teaching

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MrsJoy-dv3dg]

Amazing. Thank you! I just needed a light over my kitchen sink and local places wanted $800 for the job (without clean up). I was like, it cannot be that hard. And it wasn't thanks to you! 🤩

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@Synonomous]

Clean up. From an elitist contractor charging triple the cost of parts and $120/hr including the time driving back and forth to the store because they carry nothing in the truck, lol. . Best joke of the day! Thanks! Same here. Save thousands on the simple stuff and learn along the way.

[@TheElevenBravo]

Thank you so much for this great video!
Bless you!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@JoeSmith-im1su]

Wow I feel so dumb I never knew how simple it was, been complaining needing more lights and out let’s around my barn, very well explained thank you

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@waterfordabrams8412]

This helped me very much with my lighting project, thank you for your help.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@yDNA30694]

Thanks for the video, very helpful and thoroughly explained

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@seattlebest79]

This video is very detailed. Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Oh good. People often say I go too fast, so I’m intentionally trying to be more detailed.

[@danxtian25]

Your video is the best, well explained. Thanks for sharing your experience with others.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@elvinflores1497]

Hello and hope you get to read this. I an average home owner diy and not much into electrical but after watching this video not only was i able to install my light into my basement shower that im installing but feel lot more educated on on for the future. Thank a million great job

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@handydadtv]

BTW, I read every comment. ☺️

[@AminulIslamAzhari]

This video was useful. Easy to understand. Loved it.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@suryarrrr]

thanks for such easy to understand and follow instructions

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@christiansantos2777]

Thanks a lot man I was able to install a light in my room your videos was so helpful and easy to learn compared to others makes things look so difficult

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@gardengrower7633]

Thank you for the excellent, clear video

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@majordog85]

Thank you my friend for your time to teach. You've got a new subscriber 🙏

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@ernestdesimone2234]

Very helpful and well instructed.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@MrPutzdad]

Exactly the verification I was looking for. Great simple term video. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@americanpancakelive]

You rock. I was able to successfully add a sconce light to the bedroom just because of you.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@Cam-vg7lb]

Thank you soo much for the detailed lesson !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@3Oh3metrostation]

wonderful demonstration!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@felipemolina3118]

Thanks very much for your video, Merry Christmas!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@TeeCee66]

Thank you thank you thank you! 👍 I also didnt know if it was legal to power a light with an outlet, it always seems the breakers always shut off only outlets or switches. So this is wonderful as I'm adding 1 kitchen ceiling light & wanted to run the power off an outlet near the location I chose for the switch. Thank you very much sir 🙏✌

[@handydadtv]

Yes, it’s common in older homes to have lights and outlets on the same circuit, but not anymore. If at all possible, it’s best to have lighting on separate circuits otherwise your appliances will cause lights to flicker. Especially modern LED bulbs which are much more sensitive.
I just ran a new circuit to my bathroom outlet to separate it from the lights. Very annoying.

[@TeeCee66]

@@handydadtv thank you, the house was built in the 60's I'm adding a light above the bar & wondered if I could tap into an outlet 👍

[@Wisdom_Paramore]

Thank you so much. You made this look very easy.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@yaolei9544]

Very good demo! thanks!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@goldengamers1033]

You just saved me $800 on a 5 minute video
Thank you so much

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@b.michaelsmith7713]

This video is exactly what I needed to know!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@kingalphadogg]

This is my FAVORITE channel!!!! 😆👍🏾🙌🏾

[@handydadtv]

I really appreciate that ❤️

[@user-og5qn3vt9n]

Thanks for the info worked like a charm.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@albertstrong5516]

Very well explained.
Enjoyed
Thanks

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@dwsiu]

Thank you for the lesson.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@robertmunguia250]

Nice video! Very informative.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@brandoncarlson4746]

I just subscribed. Excellent tutorial, right to the point.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@paulelunico]

Nicely explained. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@edgardoeude2656]

I really appreciate you.
You have just answered all my questions...
Thanks you so much..

[@edgardoeude2656]

Thank you so much..
You are just the best teacher!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@graceyyun2745]

Thank you for the tutorial/information!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@mnmn926]

I love RUclips University!!!! Thanks so much for explaining this in easy to understand terms

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@johncolon244]

Outstanding!thank you for your educational infor.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@hansschweikert9153]

That's about as clear as it gets. Bravo. Thx

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@elmerkerth3871]

Great job I enjoyed watching

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@eddiedelarosa2775]

Thank you for the info, Like the detail very helpful .......

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@dexterjohnson7235]

Thank you for making this video.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@persiusflores3774]

Very informative video by far. Keep them coming.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sking3646]

Great explanation thanks for sharing!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@roderickpolicarpio151]

You just answered my question by watching your video thank you so much

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@juliancatala7171]

Great video. Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@etc-and-more]

Nicely explained video, I like you having the board so that everything is visible. I took down a big old fluorescent tube light that was connected with 2 wires, just the black and the white connected from an electrical box to the fixture with a short length of flexible BX(?) cable. I want to just put a ceiling outlet in its place. What do I do for a ground? (The existing wiring is always on since the old light was connected to a motion sensor and I will be plugging in LED shop lights with built in pull switches)

[@handydadtv]

Test the shield of the BX to see if that’s a good ground. It usually is. Otherwise you need to follow it back to whatever junction box has a ground and fix the connection.

[@salvadorehuezo6707]

Thank you so much awesome explanation !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@byronsis3030]

Thank you handydad 🙏🙌🏼

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@addminusDIY]

Ty great explanation now i can do it on my closets 😊

[@handydadtv]

Exactly.

[@danielyanez9443]

Really good video thanks to you

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@charlesdavis2411]

Nicely explained video, I like you having the board so that everything is visible.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@angelcamacho1954]

Love how your the ONLY ONE of about maybe 25 videos that finally talk about where to get (Tap into) your power from. Your the only one to state to either tap into an outlet or switch. (Thank you!) I'm not an electrician, just a handy dandy and I was trying to get my power from a single light box to add a separate light and switch and never thought to tap to outlet or switch. tapping to light made it nearly impossible to separate the light switches, if my switch was off then the other light would turn off I wasted two days trying to figure this out. And then I find your video. Thanks for this great video. I was able to tap to my outlet and success!! Thanks a million!!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful. There’s a trick to knowing if you can tap off a switch. I explain that here:
ruclips.net/video/1JK0-yoNaWo/видео.html

[@iGoldeneYe]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Be safe.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@brettmiles8386]

Bravo! Very well explained

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@petertimpson9378]

I really like your videos and need help adding a switch and outlet 3' to my other garage door(eliminate reaching to turn on garage lights). It's basically going from 1 switch and outlet to the exact same configuration 3' away thru EMT conduit. Thanks!!

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@seattlebest79]

Great video. Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻