If you’re installing a new light in your garage, you’ll need to connect the fixture to the existing wiring. This will ensure that the new light works with the existing switch, and will also save you money on your electrical bill.
Before you start a wiring project, it’s important to find out the exact location of your home’s circuit breaker box. This will make sure that you don’t get electrocuted if you work near the breaker, and will also help you to protect yourself from any potential injury.
When working on an electrical project, it is important to follow all of the safety precautions that are required by local building codes and ordinances. If you are unsure about your ability to do this, contact an electrician for assistance.
Depending on the type of light you’re installing, there are different ways to wire your garage light. The most common method is to connect the light to its power source in a series arrangement. This will allow you to use fewer outlets, and will give you a more uniform lighting scheme for your garage.
The other option for wiring your garage light is to connect it in a parallel arrangement. This will give you a much more flexible system, but it won’t have the same convenience as a series arrangement. It also will create a single point of failure. If one bulb burns out, the entire circuit will go dark.
If you’re unsure about which type of wiring to use, the best bet is to speak with an electrician. He will be able to give you the proper advice and make sure that your garage lighting is installed correctly.
Step 1: Shut off the power at your breaker
Before you begin any wiring project, it is vital to shut off the power to your home’s breaker box. This will prevent you from being electrocuted if you work on the electrical wiring in your garage, and it will also help to protect yourself from any potential injury.
To shut off the power to your breaker, turn it to the off position. If you have trouble finding the breaker, try flipping it to a random spot in your home.
Step 2: Connect the Light to its Wires
Once you’ve shut off the power, you can now start connecting your new light to its wires. A standard light fixture has three wires: white, black or red, and green or copper. To make a connection, simply wrap the wires from the light fixture to the wires of the corresponding color in your junction box. Once you’ve completed this, clinch the connections with wire nuts to make sure they are tight and secure.
Step 3: Test Your Garage Light
Once the wiring is complete, turn on the light switch to see that it works with the fixture. If the fixture isn’t working, check that all of the bulbs are screwed into place and that they have the correct wattage. If they aren’t, replace the bulbs or rewire the circuit.