How to Install Consecutive Light Fixtures

It's important to consider the wiring scheme you'll use when finishing a room or doing a major remodel. Multiple sets of lights can be easily controlled from a single switch by using series wiring -- sometimes referred to as "daisy-chaining." This simplifies the wiring needed and makes putting consecutive light fixtures together a fairly simple task.

Light fixture outlet boxes
Screwdriver
Drill with 1-inch hole saw bit
14-2 electrical cable
Wire cutters/strippers
Wire nuts

Instructions

- 1
  Position your light fixture outlet boxes on the ceiling joists in the locations where you want the new lights to be installed. Mount the boxes to the joists with wood screws placed through the mounting holes in the sides of the boxes.
- 2
  Feed a length of electrical cable from the planned hookup point to the first box and slide the end of the cable through the opening in the side of the box. Cut the cable with wire cutters to leave 6 inches of extra cable coming out of the box.
- 3
  Feed a length of electrical cable from the first box to the second box and slide the end of the cable through the opening in the side of the box. Cut the cable at each end to leave 6 inches of extra cable coming out of the boxes.
- 4
  Remove 3 inches of the cable's outer insulation jacket and strip 1/2-inch of covering from the black and white wires in the cable. Do this with each of the cable ends.
- 5
  Pair the bare wire ends of the cables with the wire ends of your light fixtures, black to black and white to white. Fasten the wires together with wire nuts. Connect both cables to the fixture at the first outlet box.
- 6
  Attach the light fixtures to the boxes with their included hardware.

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