Convert a Wired Fixture

There is an alternative, MUCH less expensive answer than calling an electrician to wire your house if there is a place you really want a light, such as a sconce by your sofa or a pair for reading lights by your bed - it’s called a $2 extension cord! It’s super easy to “wire” a fixture to an extension cord so then you can plug it in. You do have to think about what you’re going to do with the cord to hide it, but I’ve got some ideas on that, too! Keep reading for the “how to!”

Supplies*

• Extension Cord

• T-Stripper

• Box cutter/razor blade

• Electrical Caps (2)

• Screwdriver (or drill)

• Cord covers (optional)

• Wifi Plug (optional)

Steps

1. Using your t-stripper wire cutter, cut off end of extension cord where you would plug a cord into (not the end that plugs into the wall!)

2. Carefully cut with a razor blade between the two edges of the extension where the wires come together, about 1-2 inches long.

3. Use your t-stripper, on the biggest hole, to cut & strip the extension cord plastic off the end wire so you have about a ½” of exposed wire on each side of your “split cord.”

4. Use electrical caps to secure the wires to your fixture. Black to black, white to white and the copper wire goes around the screw attached to the fixture mount itself.

5. Mount your fixture bracket wherever you want it.

6. Attach your fixture to it as designed; you may need to make an accommodation for the cord that will stick out from somewhere behind the fixture. Ideally, this is where you want to run a cord cover from. Alternatively, it’s pretty darn easy to drill or cut a small hole in the wall and literally drop your extension cord down it to fish it from down below through another smaller hole. They make nice plates to finish off your holes, and if you do it directly behind the fixture mount, you’ll never see it until you take it down someday and if you can run the cord down the wall to land behind a couch, plant, etc., you won’t really see the other end either. There are a number of nice cord cover options if you want to run it on top of the wall as well.

7. Plug it in, viola!

8. PRO TIP: Use an Alexa enabled wifi plug or outlet so your new light can turn on by command or on a schedule!

   Enjoy the Project

Playlist | Kenny Chesney

Wine | 2018 Cherries & Rainbows Red Wine

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