How to add a Ceiling Light to a Room with no Existing Wiring

[@MichaelBreeden]

Hands down the best video, especially for folks without attic access. I installed ceiling fans in all three bedrooms of my top floor, but have been dreading trying to do the living room downstairs (no access). This just gave me the confidence to do so. There are other videos I have watched that walk through patching up the holes, but it would be great if you linked to one from you, here. The job is a little unfinished as is and I'd rather watch a video with details like you have here than watching from a different KZbinr.

[@mvmcali6900]

can you recommend the videos about patching the holes? also i have several ceiling joists to cut thru, do i need 2 holes on each side of each joist? ALSO is it easier to cut round 6" access holes using a hole cutter rather than square ones. its these kinds of issues that arent clear

[@Khaim3ra5o3]

This is by far the best guide ive found on YT so far. Straight to the point and explained every step all throughout. Earned a sub. Thank you

[@fiily1]

This is exactly what I need to do to put in an overhead fan using a switch, and make the switched outlet 100% live. You sir are a prince among men, and you saved me hundreds of dollars over calling an electrician. Just need 15ft of 14/2, a new outlet, and a ceiling fan. Thank You!

[@steveloux4709]

A ceiling fan requires a different outlet box than any of the three shown in this video. Make sure your project's box states, "rated for ceiling fan support". It will be stamped on the box itself.

[@futurerobotist5565]

Liam, love the way you walk through all the steps in a logical and consistent way, and your clear explanations offer something for everyone regardless of skill level. Another excellent video.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Thanks Dave!

[@erayheflin6314]

@@WorkinwithWolkon Everyone knows that a horizontal surface collect dust. When installing a cover plate, why not leave the slots in the screws vertical?

[@melkamutsegaye6943]

@@WorkinwithWolkon How do you know it is Deve, it could be any Robot from another planet?

[@kurthueston1511]

I am a vertical screw person. At the end, when you said vertical screw people are degenerates, you made me lol. I gave you a thumbs up. The rest of the video is great, too.

[@GoldenGram]

You just helped me increase my resale value for a flip by adding overhead lights to 3 rooms!!! Thank you. Would love to see a fan install next.

[@elmerlopezramos.3712]

I'm mostly spanish speaker, but the way you explain i understand everything... thank you.!!

[@MarioIArguello]

Nicely done. I find that a schematic also helps in visualizing the paths of the conductors. On unfinish drywalls I often sketch the schematic in pencil, so I don't have to rethink and is also a great training tool to my assistants, so they can also understand what is going on. I like the improvisation of using a receptacle for the light fixture, I've done the same and this only happens when you have done this type of work often where you can improvise, with a bit of creativity, to get the point across or simply to test things.

[@harleyluvscookies]

Very well spoken and one of the easiest to follow guides I've seen to date. Subscribed.

[@wandering_coder6356]

You are a stellar teacher. Well done. I feel like this is something I might be able to tackle in our bonus room.

[@juanduarte200]

Perfect video! So informative without the junk talk!

[@DYIIdeas]

Liam, love the way you walk through all the steps in a logical and consistent way, and your clear explanations offer something for everyone regardless of skill level. Another excellent video.

[@elizabetharuelo4704]

I’ve watched some tutorials regarding this scenario and this is the most detailed and straightforward video I’ve ever watched! I have 2 rooms in my house which doesn’t have a light and the switches are connected to the outlets. Doing it myself will def save me money. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless!

[@29lookingood]

"Wires don't see colour", that made me giggle 😂😂✊🏾👊🏾🤙🏾👍🏾💙

[@matthewcrafter87]

"Electricity doesn't..."

[@jxx123]

✌🏻👌🏻👊🏻

[@Pinchedanny47]

Someone told me “yeah run the 120 and 277 in the same conduit, they can’t tell which is which.”

[@lilstubthumb]

You do though, seeing as you took the time to specify select certain emojis.

[@29lookingood]

@@lilstubthumb Your point being?

[@Burnz.]

great video. glad you made sure to point out things that may differ by location (ie: grounding in a metal box) this makes it safer and easier for DIYers to do simple jobs like this themselves, while still following local code.

[@Lakusus]

This is an awesome, informative video...Thanks! As an apprentice electrician (all of about 4.5 months...long story why I didn't stick with it), all I ever worked on was rough-in and finish. I have often wondered how one could install or change an electrical arrangement without completely cutting out of the drywall the entire run. This makes SO much more sense!👍

[@CaedmonOS]

I'm actually looking into becoming an electrician right now I'd like to hear your story

[@Lakusus]

@@CaedmonOS Well, this was in the late 90's, 1998 if I remember correctly. I will avoid naming companies...what with everyone being sue happy, and all. Let's just call them company A and company Z. I was hired by A and assigned to a decent fellow who was the site supervisor. After a short bit, he would have me do difficult tasks as he knew I could handle them where as the other two would have a harder time. This went on for 89 days, then the foreman called me into his office and told me they were going to have to let me go. Upon my inquiring why this was, he told me I just wasn't getting it. That I just wasn't cut out to be an electrician. I told him where he could shove it as I knew he was a bold-faced liar and I quit because I wasn't about to work for a company with such evil lying pricks, such as him. Turns out the company had a slew of contracts that were due and they hired a bunch to finish the jobs...then let them all go right before benefits would kick in. I then went to company Z and was assigned to a site supervisor who had anger issues. I was about 8 feet up on a ladder trying to install a bar box on an angled transition between wall and ceiling. I was having difficulty getting the bar to expand and, after asking why it was taking me so long, this site sup comes over and takes the box from me. He, too, has difficulty with it and moves over near the cardboard box with a bunch of fiberglass boxes, messes with this bar box a bit longer, then slams it down into the box of fiberglass ones, shattering a few. One piece that was about 3 inches in diameter and half an inch thick struck the wall inches away from my head. When I got back to the shop I told the foreman he needed to assign me to another site sup. He said there was no one else available. I told him what happened and said if he couldn't assign me to someone else, I was gone. To make a long story short (too late! See?), I walked out that day and had only been there about 1.5 months. Total of the two stints = approximately 4.5 months. I will say this...in that time I picked up QUITE a lot of knowledge and was easily able to wire my garage with about 10 more 2-gang outlets, including double switching one outlet to control a fan on one half and 2 shop lights on the other. Asked an electrician from a company, who was there for another job, if he'd take a look at my work. He said he wouldn't have done anything different and that I did a great job, even down to labeling each outlet as to what circuit it was on. My body's too broken, now, to be able to scramble around rafters like a monkey but, I do wish I'd tried another electrical company. Damn good money, in it, that's for sure! Good luck, to you. I hope you succeed where I failed.

[@CaedmonOS]

Thanks for telling your story

[@DCPHONEGUY]

as an addendum you could have used 14-3 from the switch to the light for a ceiling fan to have switched and unswitched power available in the ceiling box, great video

[@carlossinisterra8455]

Thank you so much for this video, my wife been asking me to install a lamp in our bedroom, you just showed me an easy way to do it. Thanks 😊

[@mikepemberton6775]

Thank you! You gave me the information I needed and the confidence to add a ceiling fan in my boys room. Because of the access hole I was able to use my phone to record a bit of video and found that I only needed one hole to complete the project.

[@mariapropst7935]

Truly an Excellent video !! Step by step installation explained beautifully!!! Thank you for helping us out here who are learning from experts like yourself!!

[@catastrophic37]

Great video. This is exactly what I was looking for. Granted I have attic access; needed help with the wiring parts for the plug and new light. Got all my answers! Thank you.

[@HyperbolicMind]

Dude perfect timing! I'm doing an apprenticeship in home improvements under my mentor's business and one of our clients gave me their ceiling light. I did not know how to install it into the ceiling of my bedroom then you go and post this. Thank you!

[@cadayx]

Great video! Recently performed this process installing six recessed lights at a friends house. Still very informative.

[@Esiddik]

Amazing content. All the tips, the recording videos and the split view of the ceiling joists and you under it. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 you filled the gaps of all the missing answers I was looking for

[@debandmike3380]

A lot of times I will use 12-2 as my fish, it's stiff enough and shapeable. this also helps to make sure that you have enough clearance for the wire you're trying to pull down. how many times do you put the skinny wire up but then you can't get the head of the romex through something or have it get caught. using the romex as a fish gives you a smooth consistent pull with no catching.

[@brandonwells9384]

I just bought a house and found a light switch in the dining room that I could not find anything connected to. I had used the bottom plug of a nearby outlet and never tried the top. The top plug is wired just like this. Now i can put a light over the dining room table. I did not think to check the top and bottom of the outlets until I watched your video. Since the vacuum worked in the outlet no matter if the switch was on or off. Great video.

[@sergiosanchez6150]

Your the first I actually watched the whole video simply not boring and every educational. Thank you!!

[@westhavenor9513]

Great job! I have to do two bedrooms in my 80's house. Electricians in my area are crazy expensive, if you can even get one for a small job. The only part I hate it matching the drywall texture and paint--sometimes using a drywall pro for the patch and paint is worth the money for a seamless finish.

[@alys870]

This videos and others from deserves the best reviews. Well done and thanks for sharing!

[@debbiehoffman9229]

This was exactly the video we needed to add a light to our bedroom from the plug in the wall. Thanks so much for such detailed information. Definitely subscribing and liking!!!

[@michaels3003]

This video clearly required a lot of work. Much appreciated. Best of luck to your YT channel.

[@charleschi843]

Pure comedy gold! My wives and I were busting up while watching this. Love the snarky and dry humor.

[@coachcraft]

One of the most thorough diy videos on the tube. Thank you.

[@ernestleo6284]

Great video appreciate all the tips on installing a fan/light fixture. My home has an attic which makes for an easier installation of the fan hanger junction box. The hanger was installed between 2 10 x 2's with long screws. After running a power wire into the junctions box wireless receivers/transmitters were wired to control the fan and light separately. The light receiver includes a 4 level dimmer. Easy job took 2 hours the transmitters work really nice to turn the light and fan on/off.

[@gregsettle9725]

Excellent video. I now feel confident to add the ceiling lights I want without calling "The Guy". Kudos!

[@pud469]

Great instructions, and I really like the tip to clean cut Romex. I wish you would have added some best practices to the instructions. Two things that would have driven me nuts.......... Both the power feed and the switch leg are black. Some colored electrical tape on both ends of the switch leg would help troubleshooting. Also using the outlet to connect the neutral wires, I would have used a wire nut and a pigtail. However, I want anyone that reads this comment, to know that this is a proper install. (The tab on a 15amp outlet is designed to carry a 20amp load) The pig tail also prevents a failed outlet from taking out the entire circuit. The daisy chain isn't Ideal for high power loads. That being said most people would never experience any issue, and the time and extra wire space in the box gives this a thumbs up.

[@dustinbentz5284]

This is exactly the video I was looking for! Excellent job, easy to follow and loved the dry humor!

[@isusanpo]

Thank you .very helpful easy understand. I’m going to try my install my ceiling light

[@gl3882]

Thanks Liam, great walk-thru and explanation of even the minute details. I would have never ever considered opening up 2 holes as an option till I saw this video.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Thanks!

[@matel9477]

Great video. Just what I needed since I was trying to figure out how to connect the wire from the potlights to my existing light switch.

[@jorgemnavarro9978]

Excellent video! it explains everything really good. I learned so much in a short time. I’ve always been interested in residential electric. thanks for teaching the common people.

[@NYFynest23]

This was awesome! As someone who just finished doing renovations with light fixtures i can agree when having short wires it’s a pain in the 🎃🤣. Now I want to add outlets

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐This is one of the best explained and thorough tutorials I have seen. I have never "walked away" from doing some electrical work but I do consider it my weakest point. This has elevated my knowledge by watching and now I know that I can always reference back when needed. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊

[@briandaniels1551]

I found your video quite informative for the DYI'er but I feel you should have mentioned that the black wire goes to the brass screw and the white wire goes to the silver screw, many first-timers wouldn't know this

[@khosrowmkh2554]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and this is how we communicate very effectively. great video.

[@borndiy5490]

This was a great demo of doing wiring. Done some myself adding a lite. I like the open end for viewing...LOL Think I read somewhere to put the plate cover screws vertical and now you say horizontal. Never before heard either and now I have to do it and will do it Your Way! Thanks for making wiring comfortable to work with.

[@phantomfrogstudios]

I just wanted to thank you for this video. I had almost the exact same situation as you described, and this video was instrumental in helping me figure out what was going on. Very happy about the overhead light in the living room now :)

[@Siam216]

Excellent video! I was able to learn so much in a short period of time. I’ve always been interested in electrical stuff but too afraid to try. I’d love to see more electrical related videos.

[@damiendye6623]

hopefully ones that have safety built in instead of show people how they can burn down the house.

[@TheRickybergman]

Includes every needed detail but concise. Thank you.

[@patnelson4289]

Thank you for a very clear demonstration with out fluff very helpful

[@amug3536]

You are such a talented person no doubt however, more importantly, I can see you are a PEACEFUL person! Stay Blessed

[@chrissullivan5927]

A few things you could have mentioned; consider what type or weight of ceiling fixture you intend to install. The weight of a ceiling fan might require you to attach your box to both ceiling joists. Another issue you could inform viewers of is that the size of a box restricts the number of wires it can safely hold. Most DIYers don't know about that.

[@emadalomary8467]

Good remarks to consider

[@joshinikhil6263]

This is a very informative video especially for level 1 electrical apprentices. This video will help them visualize the cable route and take all the obstacles into account such as joists, top plate, to look at both sides before drilling. Appreciate your efforts. Keep it up👏👍

[@damiendye6623]

yes apprentices this is not now to wire up, no safety protection present.

[@mattc9292]

Awesome video! Just bought a new house without ceiling lights in 2 rooms. I was curious how an electrician would add lights. Thanks!

[@MrTacoMan247]

Perfect video the pov from both the attic and the bedroom was very helpful

[@jasonramirez5093]

This was a very well-made demonstration video. Thank you for sharing.

[@preacherplays]

This was an amazingly thorough presentation. Thank you! EDIT: Now, since you asked for a suggestion at the end I tried to think of one... try adding a tiny bit more inflection to your voice. You were nowhere near monotone, but a bit more appropriate inflection helps. If you had not asked I would not have suggested it. But I hope this comment is helpful. I'm subbing now!

[@khanscombe619]

Hey up Liam. Bang up job. Having worked in & around the office side of the residential contracting / construction I can say I'm impressed & like your easy to follow but fun videos for someone who may be new into the field or just want to know. I like that you point out the "why not" as well as the what to do.

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

That video was absolutely outstanding. Exactly what I needed.

[@johnharrisonschulz]

What if I want to install a ceiling light with a fan, and I want to control the fan separately from the light? Could it be done by just running an extra switch next to the light switch and also having to run additional wiring from The switch to the ceiling light/fan. I wouldn't have to run any additional wiring down to the receptacle would I, since I will have a hot at the light switch? I'm sure I could just install a ceiling light/fan that comes with a remote control but I just don't want to have to deal with losing the control and not having separate control of my light and fan.

[@mdss1769]

That is so helpful. And you are such a good teacher. Thank you!

[@helenplanchak4691]

Loved this video, Liam. ❤ Great JOB! Everything was well explained… including the screw driver “Green Robertson” that I had never heard of prior to this video! May seem insignificant to others who do this stuff all of the time,but not for an inexperienced, homeowner widow!

[@HunnersDesigns]

Great video Liam! 😊 glad to see you doing well!!!

[@jfink1819]

I must say you have a great modeled room set up⚡️. Also to add: switch could be subbed out for double pole switch in order to keep outlets separate (if customer wants).

[@thomasmeza9873]

Thank you for your demonstration. It's very easy, simple and direct. Nice job, this helps me very much! Thank you!

[@shakilakramkhan6243]

Thanks buddy. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly. You saved me some dollars.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

I’m very glad to hear that! Thank you

[@jacoboluis6957]

The greatest video on this topic. Thank you much for sharing your knowledge 👏👏👏👏👏👍✌️

[@notablonde1]

Vertical screw placement = degenerate. Made my night. LMAO.

[@Rellowoods32788]

Thank you enjoyed your video. I’ve been electrician for a while but I haven’t done it in a while and I have to do the exact thing you just did in the morning so thank you.

[@cessnac13]

This was awesome. I've wired up a few things but you answered so many questions with things I wasn't 100% on.

[@MontyBird45]

Perfectly clear. Good job. Thanks for posting.

[@jimgilmore7336]

Nicely done, like the cross view of the joists

[@t8ku2dc]

This was great thanks. What about installing and wiring a ceiling light with a built-in fan? I want the switch (only 1 flip on it) to control the light but use a pull chain or wireless for the fan part. Meaning I guess there is always current going to fan. Thanks

[@pat7473]

Excellent work. A lot of time to build that demonstration set,

[@21stcenturyworldsystem46]

Well done. You explained step by step. Thanks

[@jeffalex]

very helpful. the best video on this subject that i've come across. thank you

[@carlosmcmahon623]

Great job, the best I have seen in watching many videos today, thanks.

[@ronbishop4057]

Really well explained and instructive video - thank you.

[@jaimeres]

I would tape around the terminal screws on the switch and the receptacle in case the hot terminal comes in contact with the metal box. Assuming you take them out while they’re still hot.

[@davidramsay3871]

This video was amazingly helpful and detailed! Thank you!!

[@No1TasLis]

Amazing! Thank you for this informative video!

[@reviewbarbie]

This was such an amazing video! Thank you! Wish you explained the bottom plug a bit better. But thanks 😊

[@waynemiller6070]

Well, done! I was kind of hoping that there would be zero drywall damage, but I knew that wasn’t gonna happen. Lol.

[@hnebrijo]

Excellent video and information, it was exactly what I was looking for ... I'll try it... Blessings 🙏

[@jamesrey6429]

This is the exact video I been looking for. I have the same setup you displayed. I want to put up a wall sconce 3ft above the switch. Thanks so much this helped.

[@dperreno]

Most important reason to drill through the center of the joist is because that is where the joist is carrying the smallest load - i.e. you are preserving the strength of the joist.

[@TomCee53]

The point to remember is when you are drilling at an angle, the center on one side will not come out the center. You need to start somewhat lower, depending on the angle. It’s best to keep the angle as close to the ceiling as possible, to keep from running into the floor above.

[@hioctaneradio303]

This actually helped me tremendously. Good video

[@michaelchen4778]

excellent video< one more question: how do I wire up more lights from one existing celling light ?

[@sharell814]

I live in an apartment. Should I do this?

[@dalepeak2828]

Outstanding video!! This is exactly what I needed to do and your step-by-step instructions were perfect. Especially appreciated the detailed written remarks where you provided links for all the tools used and video shortcuts to the various tasks. Great idea to have a "set" where you could see what was happening above the ceiling. Probably the best instructional video I've seen...job well done!

[@mizuxsion]

liam, just wanted to say I love you ❤❤❤ thank you for teaching me in this🤗🤗

[@hikechoco]

I love this video. I have installed a cieling fan before it was very difficult.

[@craigbaggett3370]

Great video! I would like a video on how to properly fold the wires into the box, especially when it is 12 Guage... I'm not the best at it and I would love to know the correct way to do it. Thanks again for the great video 🙂

[@onebrightflash]

I loved the video. You spoke clearly, the visual above the ceiling was great and you were very safe and through with your explanations. I do have one question. When mounting the receptacle, is it customary to put the ground plug on top or below the hot and common plug holes and why?

[@johnross8614]

Why is it every time I watch DIY videos I feel like I am watching an old Bewitched when they speed up the videos lol 😂

[@EddieSpaghetti07]

This cutie can install anything he wants in my house ❤

[@joseph7105]

Thanks mom

[@indiarocks5731]

Despo

[@Pseudonym-aka-alias]

Obviously you can’t afford to be fussy🤓

[@Dopamine1217]

Depends on wt do you mean by installation ...😂😂

[@quantumstone992]

You must like sausage, big one😂😂. Suzi.

[@dadagunda]

awesome Job explaining step by step...Thanks.

[@assassin_asa]

Tree cutting slingshot line, the line you use to fish your climbing ropes.... That line is pretty abrasion resistant, you can attatch a small fishing weight to it and feed it from top-down if you want

[@EdwinChenLoo]

Good video. You should have grounded the Romex wire to the screw holding the tab. The electrical box on the ceiling is not grounded and there is a small chance the stud could catch on fire. Putting electrical tape around the switch and outlet would prevent screws from shorting anything. Wires get shuffled when things are inserted into the box.

[@BRAYEN169]

Thanks for the video. Got exactly what I was looking for! 👍