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

In this video we go over the process of wiring in a new ceiling light in a room without one existing (no previous wiring). It's quite common to find rooms without ceiling lights and instead simply having an outlet be switched.
While I am a licensed electrician I cannot ensure this will meet your local code.
Please remember to check your local electrical code and ALWAYS turn power off before working.
If you have an additional existing 2 wire in your switch box you will simply join all of the whites together and the black from the existing 2 wire with the black of the existing 3 wire.
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0:00 Introduction
0:13 Existing Wiring
3:20 Location for New Light
4:50 Types of Boxes
6:30 Cutting out Box
7:40 If you have an Attic Above
8:50 Route for New Wire
12:30 Running New Wire
14:50 Getting Wire into Switch Box
18:55 Wiring for Switch
22:33 Wiring Light
25:18 Fixing Switched Outlet
28:46 Outro

[@erick5o3]

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

[@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.

[@natalieperezallen7548]

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.

[@sergiosanchez6150]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@wayoutwill]

hi as an electrician for 35 years I enjoyed your video. you explained yourself very well and made it easy to understand for someone doing this for the first time. as you stated a couple things were code violations but that would be my jurisdiction not necessarily yours .Examples being length of conductor at the box conductors in my jurisdiction (canada) must be minimum 150mm/6 inch long when measured from the point of attachment in the box. at one time it was 6 inches from the edge of the box but things could get a little tight lol. also we always terminate the conductor in the same direction as the tightened screw. you just get a better bite and as you know grounding and bonding is very important. "hint" those holes on your strippers are there for bending your conductor to terminate it just strip your conductor like normal stick it into one of the holes and just curl your tool. perfect hook every time once you get the muscle memory. your installation was great you took the shortest path and got the job done. i've seen many renos that did exactly the same thing. have you ever used a flexibit they work great you could have done the job without cutting the hole in wall or ceiling other than the hole for the box. you can even rent one from one of the home improvement stores. I would highly recommend a little practice with the flexibit as they can be tricky. I would also recommend using a spring steel style flexibit that has an auger bit with a small hole at the head and tail. once you get the bit where it needs to be you can use it as a fish and pull your conductor through. but please practice i once drilled through someone's bathroom floor thankfully they were renovating and installing tiles so no harm done but it certainly could have cost me lol. again great job have a good one. i tried to post a link for the bit but i couldn't figure it out sry

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Hi! I’m also an electrician is Canada! Not sure where I didn’t have at least 6 inches in the video. Also not sure where I didn’t hook clockwise unless you’re referring to the bonds in the metal boxes in which hooking isn’t necessary? Love the flexibit and I actually own 2 myself but you gotta remember that this is a video for DIYers and as you mentioned it’s very easy to mess up with the flexibit. I think we’ve all had it come out where is shouldn’t have lol

[@josephwarner6026]

@@WorkinwithWolkon At 18:55 where you cut one of the grounds short. In the USA this would be a violation of 300.14 which does not exclude the equipment grounding conductor from the requirement that you need to retain at least 6 inches of conductor length from where it emerges from the sheath.

[@mitchelldantone5476]

You absolutely have to have your metal box grounded. The screws in the switch have nothing to do with that.

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

I could tell pretty quickly you were from Canada! The mentions of "green robertson" (I think Americans tend to call them square drive... and don't use colo[u]r to differentiate the sizes as often. Also, calling them marrettes. Also... the CSA sticker in the metal box was the final tell. Great video! I think it's hard for some people to visualize the wiring diagram so it would have been great to draw a little diagram on the wall. Since it was unfinished, it would remind people of how the power is coming in and where it is flowing.

[@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!!!

[@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?

[@harleyluvscookies]

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

[@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! 👊

[@NNavyBBlue]

Wow! You guys deserve every penny you quote on these jobs.

[@dustinbentz5284]

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

[@coachcraft]

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

[@TheRickybergman]

Includes every needed detail but concise. Thank you.

[@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 :)

[@KartikJayaraman_jk]

Absolutely brilliant video. Beautifully explained. Thank you

[@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.

[@cessnac13]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaels3003]

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

[@thomasmeza9873]

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

[@davidramsay3871]

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

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@juanduarte200]

Perfect video! So informative without the junk talk!

[@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.

[@patnelson4289]

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

[@jasonramirez5093]

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

[@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.

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

That video was absolutely outstanding. Exactly what I needed.

[@richardtyznik8814]

Excellent demonstration. Thank you!

[@alys870]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@UStillTalking222]

Dude, I’m so glad I found this video it was perfect for my situation! I followed it today and it worked perfectly! Thanks! Great details.

[@WorkinwithWolkon]

Glad I could help, thanks!

[@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.

[@cadayx]

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

[@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.

[@MontyBird45]

Perfectly clear. Good job. Thanks for posting.

[@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.

[@waynemiller6070]

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

[@HunnersDesigns]

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

[@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!

[@khosrowmkh2554]

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

[@carlosmcmahon623]

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

[@21stcenturyworldsystem46]

Well done. You explained step by step. Thanks

[@caesarali2147]

exactly the situation Im in. Such an awesome video dude. Love it

[@elmerlopezramos.3712]

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

[@BRAYEN169]

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

[@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

[@largerthanbox1235]

Very helpful and thorough! Thank you

[@lakeshavallejo7889]

A million thanks for posting this video!

[@carltonhoyes9817]

That was well done, a good instructor 🎉 I’ll be using this demo quite soon thank you.

[@philtorres2975]

The one thing not mentioned is that NEC Code now requires a 4 square box with 3 cables present.

[@masterpaintingrenovation7227]

Great and very clear explanation, thank you, for the time you you took to do this video!!!!

[@jimgilmore7336]

Nicely done, like the cross view of the joists

[@29lookingood]

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

[@matthewcrafter87]

"Electricity doesn't..."

[@jxx3211]

✌🏻👌🏻👊🏻

[@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?

[@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

[@mizuxsion]

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

[@alexryvkin2267]

wow, making complicated simple. 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!

[@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!

[@EdsterL]

Great video and explanation. I have a quick question? I had the same scenario but I went ahead and installed a ceiling fan. In the room I have 5 outlets, after this work was done I only have 3 out of 5 outlets that have power. Do I have to go back to the original outlet and make an adjustment so that all other outlets work again?

[@hioctaneradio303]

This actually helped me tremendously. Good video

[@stevengloria6583]

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

[@TheRobkob]

Absolutely positively fantastic

[@ronbishop4057]

Really well explained and instructive video - thank you.

[@andremachadomonte]

Great video! You are a good teacher!

[@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!

[@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?

[@jacoboluis6957]

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

[@gloriahenry9149]

Hello Wolkon! Another great informative video, you never cease to amaze me love your work!

[@isaacmelendez6457]

Thank you, for your detailed instructions! I had an identical scenario😊

[@hnebrijo]

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

[@hikechoco]

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

[@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

[@WazzeeTV]

This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@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

[@aabyron3471]

Which stud finder? Great video!

[@jeffalex]

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

[@dadagunda]

awesome Job explaining step by step...Thanks.

[@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 🙂

[@michaelc7014]

Thanks. This is exactly what I was looking for

[@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.

[@amug3536]

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

[@pat7473]

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

[@marval550]

You’re my new best friend! Amazing video!

[@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!

[@alexvega5237]

you did good i like you demostration i always got issued thank i will keep waching you videos

[@notablonde1]

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

[@rbilardo47]

Excellent video. Thanks!