How to Install an Interior Wall Sconce?

Depending on how they are positioned, wall sconces can serve as an indirect light source or as a decorative focal point in your home. Since wall sconce lighting affects both the aesthetics and illumination of a room, it is best to adequately plan out how to install this light fixture. Home Lighting Advice provides step-by-step instruction on installing an interior wall sconce.

Materials:

• Screwdrivers (Philips and Flathead)
• Side cutting pliers
• Drill
• Cut-in electrical boxes
• Keyhole saw
• Fish tape
• Wire strippers
• Light switch

Sconce lighting fixtures

Step 1: Choose your location

Mark the location where you will be installing your sconces and light switch. Remember that sconces should be positioned at least 5 inches from the floor. If they are to be used as task lighting, sconce lighting is ideal at eye level. Otherwise, you can go much higher depending on the height of your ceiling. When used to flank mirrors or other focal points, remember to position the sconce appropriately with respect to surrounding design or architectural elements.

Step 2: Make the cuts

On your chosen places on the wall, draw a horizontal rectangle for the wall sconce lamp and a vertical rectangle for the light switch. Trace around the inside of the cut-in electrical boxes. Cut these out using the keyhole saw.

Step 3: Drill the holes

In the same stud bay as the light’s box, drill a hole into the top stud inside the wall. Do this for each sconce light fixture and switch you will be installing.

Step 4: Wiring

Run an electrical cable connecting all wall sconces, starting from the wall lamp farthest from the light switch. When you have done this, run the cable from the last sconce to the light switch, and finally, from the light switch to the electrical outlet.

Step 5: Install the Boxes

Insert the boxes into the wall after running the cable through them. Tighten the screws until the wings of the box are anchored into the drywall and the box is flush with the drywall.

Step 6: Install the Wall Sconce

Install the sconce fixture into the electrical box with screws. When connecting the wire to sconces, keep in mind that black wire is hot, white is neutral, while the ground has exposed copper. Wrap ground around green grounding screw and hang the sconce light from the bracket.

Step 7: Install the Light switch

Install the light switch into the electrical box and wire accordingly. Connect the wire going to the electrical outlet to the constant hot side. Attach the wire leading to the first sconce to the switched side.

SCREW GUIDE: copper screw is hot, silver screw is neutral, green screw is the ground

WIRE GUIDE: black wire is hot, white wire is neutral, exposed copper is the ground

*both grounding wires will be attached to the same screw

Step 8: Connect wire with Electrical outlet

Tie the wire for the electrical outlet into the receptacle. Again, black wire connects to copper screw, white wire to the silver screw, and exposed copper to the green screw.

Step 9: Test the Light

Screw in the light bulbs, turn the power back on, and test the lights. Keep them on for at least five minutes to make sure that they are working well.

There she is, 9 easy steps to installing a wall sconce lighting fixture. Good luck!