How to Run an Outlet From a Lighting Fixture Box

Turn off the power to the light circuit at the home's circuit breaker panel. Don't ever attempt to work on a live electrical circuit.

Loosen the thumbscrews on the light fixture, if one is already attached, and pull it away from the light fixture box. Loosen the wire nuts connecting the home wiring to the light fixture wiring. Place the light fixture out of the way.

Cut a piece of electrical cable long enough to reach from the light fixture box to the location of the new outlet. Insert one end of the cable through the opening in the bottom of the light fixture box.

Mount your new outlet box on the stud in the wall below the light fixture box. Run the cable along the stud, fastening it to the stud with cable staples. Insert the end of the cable into the opening at the top of the new outlet box.

Remove two to three inches of the outer insulation layer from the ends of the cable, then 1/2 inch from the ends of the black and white wires in the cable.

Bundle together the three black wires in the light fixture box and slip a wire nut over the ends. Twist the nut until it holds the wires securely together. Repeat with the white wires. Replace the lamp fixture onto the light fixture box.

Attach the wires in the outlet box to the new outlet's screws -- black to brass and white to silver. Place the outlet into the box and attach with screws at the top and bottom.