If you’re looking to add a light fixture to your home, you may want to consider wiring it from a socket. This will allow you to quickly install a light and not have to worry about re-wiring it later on. However, there are a few things to remember before you begin this process.
First, it’s important to remember that there are different types of wires and circuits. You need to make sure that the type of wires that you’re using are compatible with your electrical system. For example, if your electrical system uses a 15A socket circuit, you shouldn’t try to plug a 13A socket into it, because it could overload the circuit.
It’s also a good idea to check the wattage of the socket that you’re working with and ensure it is rated correctly for the wattage of the bulb you plan to use. This will make sure the bulb doesn’t blow out prematurely and save you from a costly repair bill in the long run.
Wiring the Socket
The first step in wiring a lamp from a socket is to remove the existing light fixture and disconnect its wiring. This can be done by either removing the mounting screws that hold the fixture to the wall or ceiling or by lowering the fixture itself so that it can be removed.
After lowering the fixture, locate the wire connectors on each of the wires that came from the old light fixture. There should be a black wire that connects together under one nut, and a white wire that connects together under another nut. If there’s a ground wire, too, you will need to reconnect it with the same connection.
Next, wrap the bare copper or green insulated grounding wire counterclockwise around the grounding screw on the new lamp socket. This is done on all sockets that don’t have a grounding clip, but on sockets with clips, insert the end of the bare copper or green insulated grounding cord into the clip and tighten the screw.
Once the new lamp socket is connected, you can use a non-contact voltage tester to check the wires in the socket for power. Test each wire in turn by touching the probe of the tester to the metal tab on the socket’s base and then flipping the switch. If the tester lights up, you have power in the socket.
If the tester doesn’t light up, you might have a loose connection between the wires or a problem with the switch. You should also verify that the wattage of the bulb is correct, and that there are no other switches on the circuit that might interfere with the work you’re doing.
If the work you’re doing is a major project, you might want to hire an electrician for this part of the job. An electrician will be able to help you decide the best way to connect the sockets and the lighting fixtures, and ensure that the work is completed safely and effectively.