How to Install a Pendant Light Where a Turn Switch Fixture Was

Changing light fixtures is a common homeowner project. It can be a simple job once you know what each wire does. The black wire supplies the power, the white wire provides the path back to the source and the green wire is the back up safety system. When choosing a pendant light for this application, find one with a built in switch. A turn switch fixture is typically installed on a power supply without wall mounted on/off controls.

Non-contact voltage detector
Screwdriver
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Pliers
Twist-on wire connectors

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power at the building's distribution panel by opening the breaker for the circuit you are working on. Confirm the power is off by touching the non-connect voltage detector to the wire's insulation. Double check the power is off by trying to activate the light.
- 2
  Remove the two screws that secure the turn switch fixture to the electrical box. Pull the light from the box and disconnect the wires by untwisting the connectors.
- 3
  Cut the bare metal ends off the white and black wire, and strip 3/8 inches of insulation off each wire. This provides clean straight ends to make good connections.
- 4
  Twist the white wire at the electrical box with the white wire on the pendant light with pliers. Install a twist-on wire connector on top.
- 5
  Twist the black wire at the electrical box with the black wire on the pendant light with pliers. Install a twist-on wire connector on top.
- 6
  Push the wires into the electrical box and secure the pendant light to the box with the two screws provided.
- 7
  Turn the power back on and test the operation of the light.

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