How To Add an Overhead Light

If you want to brighten up a dimly lit room, overhead fixtures offer direct lighting that can be as dramatic as you want. It could be as simple as an accent light over a kitchen island or a nightstand. Or, you could choose a more dramatic fixture that becomes a focal point in your room. 

Follow This Old House master electrician, Scott Caron, as he helps a homeowner install a dining room chandelier.

Safety Reminders for Overhead Lights

Always prioritize safety when working with new light fixtures and wiring:

• Make sure the power supply is turned off before you begin work.
• Always use insulated tools to handle electrical components.
• Have a licensed electrician’s phone number ready in case of any issues or if you’re not confident doing wiring work.

Choosing an Overhead Light Fixture To Install

To choose the right overhead light fixture for your space, think about electrical requirements, the surrounding context, and your design preferences.

Electrical Requirements

Look for an existing outlet or electrical box that can power the fixture. If you can find one, you’ll minimize the need for extensive wiring, making the project easier.

Think about the power source’s location and what load it can handle. Overloading boxes or outlets can lead to more serious electrical issues.

Choosing the Right Fixture

Next, think about the type of fixture you want for your space. These factors should be on your mind:

• The room’s size and purpose
• The height of the ceiling (relative to your furniture and fixtures)
• How much light you want to add to the space
• The surrounding style and decor
• Your preferred weight for the fixture

The homeowner Caron works with in the video chose a chandelier with 18 candelabra bulbs. Its rectangular shape makes for a more modern fixture that still complements the dining room’s decor. 

Tools and Materials Needed

Besides the light fixture, you’ll need the following tools and materials for the installation process:

• Adjustable length box bar
• Dimmer switch (optional)
• Electrical boxes (ceiling and switch)
• Electrical wire (14-gauge)
• Fish tape
• Madison bars
• Oscillating multi-tool
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Wire nuts

Some fixtures require specialty tools and materials to install, so double-check the included instructions.

Step-By-Step Overhead Light Installation Process

The electrical work takes some planning, but if you’re careful, you can install your overhead fixture safely.

Locating the Power Source and Planning the Installation

Find an existing outlet or electrical box to power the light fixture and mark its location. You should also measure and mark where your wall switches should go. The power source and switch box should be easily accessible.

Preparing the Work Area

Safety should always be your top priority working with electricity. Head to your circuit breaker box and turn off the power supply to your work area. Confirm that nothing’s flowing through the wires using a voltage tester.

Next, move any furniture out of the way of your work area. You may also want to cover your floor with drop cloths to protect it from debris.

Cutting for the Electrical Boxes

Start by cutting around the electrical and switch box outlines with an oscillating saw. Then, cut a small access hole where the wall meets the ceiling for the fish tape.

Take your time in this step and double-check your marks. By making cuts as accurate as you can, the boxes will fit snugly and securely.

Running Electrical Wire

The next step is to feed the fish tape through the ceiling hole and down to the switch location. You may need to cut extra access holes to get around joists or strapping.

Once you’ve got the tape in the right spot, attach 14-gauge electrical wire to the end of the tape. Carefully pull the wire through to ensure it reaches both the ceiling and switch. Try to avoid any sharp bends or kinks, which could damage the wire and cause electrical problems or hazards.

Mounting the Ceiling Electrical Box

Now, you can mount the electrical box on the ceiling where the light will go. Insert the adjustable-length box bar into the ceiling hole and twist until its teeth bite into the ceiling structure. Use a hanging clip to connect the electrical box to the bar. Once it’s in, double-check that the box is on tight and doesn’t move around.

Installing the Light Fixture

Next, connect the light fixture’s wires to the electrical wire with wire nuts. Carefully tuck the wiring into the electrical box you just mounted. 

Different fixtures have different ways of fastening to the ceiling. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to secure the fixture to the box.

Setting Up the Wall Switch

To install the light switch, put Madison bars behind the switch box and squeeze them with pliers to lock them into place. These bars will better hold the box on the wall.

Connect the power supply wires to the switch wires with wire nuts. Check that all the connections are secure, carefully tuck the wires into the box, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the switch.

Finishing Touches and Overhead Light Safety Considerations

Once everything’s installed, there are a few finishing touches left to take care of.

Testing the Installation

Reconnect the power at the circuit breaker and test the new light fixture and switch. If you use a dimmer, adjust the setting to your preference. 

Patching and Painting

Finally, you’ll need to patch any access holes you made during the installation process. Sand the patched areas smooth and paint over the repaired sections to match the existing wall and ceiling.