| Installing Fixtures |
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Residential wiring is so common that the cable, fixtures, and methods are standardized. You can buy standard fixture and receptacle boxes at most hardware stores. However, it’s best to buy them from an electrical store or department where a knowledgeable clerk can help you select the right ones for the job. Find a clerk who can explain installation and offer tips from his or her own experience. You may pay a little more, but you’ll get value. The tools needed for installing fixtures, switches, and receptacles are basic. They include a cable stripper, wire stripper, needle-nose pliers, and a circuit tester. Here’s the process: * Make sure that power to the circuit is off. * Cut the wire cable to a length 6 to 8 inches beyond the front of the box. * Remove sheathing from the wire cable inside the box. * Strip the last 1 inch of sheathing from the end of each covered wire. * Connect the ground (bare or green) wire to the receptacle, fixture, switch, or box. * Connect the white (neutral) wire to the receptacle, fixture, or switch. * Connect the black (hot) wire to the receptacle, fixture, or switch. Some fixtures are more challenging to wire. For example, installing a fan-with-light unit will have additional wiring. Also, a fixture that can be turned off by two or more switches will need to be wired differently. Fortunately, the fixtures typically come with a connection diagram. Note that there are special lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings. The fixture will include installation procedures.
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