How to Convert Any Hardwired Light Fixture into a Plug-in

Got a Light fixture that you love but its meant for Hardwiring? No worries. This blog just for you! I was in the same situation when I remodeled my Master bedroom. I bought this gorgeous wall lamp from amazon. But they were the hardwiring kind. Let me show you how to convert any hardwired light fixture in to a plug-in lamp with switch.

CAUTION: If you are NOT comfortable with handling live wires, then please do not attempt this DIY. Call a professional to handle the electrical work. Any wrong handling could be very dangerous to you and your home.

How to Convert Any Hardwired Light Fixture into a Plug-in

To do this, all you need is a lamp cord, wire stripper and wire connectors. In regards to switch, first see if your lamp has a built in switch. If not, you have two options. One is to buy a lamp cord WITH SWITCH or use a Wireless Control Switch like I show you in this DIY.

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Unscrew the lamp bracket and pull out the wires to identify them. Every lamp has a Hot or black wire, neutral or white wire and a copper wire for ground.

Next, unravel the plug in cord. It also has positive and neutral wires on end and plug on the other. Mostly both wires will be in same color. But you can identify them apart easily. The ribbed wire should be neutral and the other one is hot.

Step-1 : Strip all wires

Strip all the wire ends using a wire stripper.

Step -2 : Connect

You just have to connect both the hot wires together and neutral wires together. The ground will be connected to the metal casing of the lamp while mounting.

I have shown two types of connectors. The one on left is the usual cap connector that are widely used for electrical wiring. They came along with the wall lamp I am using here. You have to twist the wires together, insert into the cap and twist the cap to make it tight. The one on right are the quick connectors. You just have to insert the two wires into each slot. The cap connectors are cheaper than the quick connectors. But both will work fine. You have to make sure that the wires are not loose or exposed. So, strip the casing just enough to insert into the connector. Its optional to add electrical tape for extra security.

Step – 3 : Add switch & Test

I just love this wall scone lamp, but it does not come with an on/off switch! Well, you could solve that by using a plugin cord that comes along with a switch. But that would be an eye sore when this light is ON. So, I bought this Dimmable Wireless Control Switch. It comes with a receiver and a switch that doesn’t need any wiring. Simply plug the receiver to an outlet and mount this switch anywhere on the wall or on the nightstand or use it as a hand-held remote. The cool thing about it is that it has ON/ OFF and dimmer controls. You can turn the outlet on and off with a simple click. I might paint this switch to wall color and mount it on the wall later. But as of now this is perfect for our situation here.

CAUTION: Please test them with caution. If you are NOT comfortable with handling live wires. Please do not attempt this DIY.

Step – 4 : Mount

To mount the lamp, first mark on the wall and screw the bracket in. I made a hole on the side to take the cord in. Then connected the wires, tuck them in and installed the lamp.

To keep this cord hidden, I am routing the cord behind the nightstand through the groove in the shiplap wall. This cord goes through the hole under the night stand and into the power strip cubby. The receiver for the switch will stay hidden inside the night stand that I built . You can mount this receiver on any socket in your room.