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I have an exterior porch light which is not on a switch. It stays on all the time. The wiring is old two wire - one black and one white. I want to add a pull chain switch to this light but I don't know how to wire it so it will work with the pull chain.

Can someone give me step by step instructions on how to add a pull chain switch to this light fixture?

Submitted: 117 days and 18 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 117 days and 16 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX
It's a pretty simple procedure.

First turn off the power and the panel (fuse box).

Then remove the fixture and expose the wiring

You may need to drill a hole in the fixture to mount the pull chain.
The hole should be just large enough for the threaded part of the pull chain to fit through
Remove one of the locknuts on the pull chain and insert the pull chain into the hole you drilled
Then thread the locknut back onto the switch and tighten it down

Now remove the black wire fron the light fixture
connect one of the switch wires to the black wire
twist them together (clockwise) then twist on an orange wire nut.

Now connect the other switch wire to the light fixture
Put the fixture back up and turn on the power

117 days and 15 hours ago.

Reply

Unfortunately, this didn't work. When I turned the power back on the light is on but the switch doesn't turn it off.

I disconnected the black wires and added one switch wire to the black incoming wire from the wall and the black wire going to the light fixture.

I disconnected the white wires and added the other switch wire to the white incoming wire from the wall to the white wire going to the light fixture.

Posted by Rick 117 days and 15 hours ago.

Answer

Perhaps I was not clear you connect 1 of the switch wires to the black wire after disconnecting the black wire from the light fixture. Then connect the other switch wire to the fixture.

Accepted Answer

Here is a simple diagram to illustrate

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	7/28/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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Answer

Perhaps I was not clear you connect 1 of the switch wires to the black wire after disconnecting the black wire from the light fixture. Then connect the other switch wire to the fixture.

Accepted Answer

Here is a simple diagram to illustrate

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