How to Install a Light Switch in a Room That Does Not Have One

Trace the wiring for the circuit from the outlet to the location where you want to install the light switch. Use a stud finder that has the ability to track hot, or live, wiring.

Turn off the power to the circuit at the main electrical panel. Test the outlet with a voltage tester. If you get a reading, return to the electrical panel and switch off the correct circuit, and test the outlet again. Do not proceed until the voltage tester verifies that the line is dead.

Trace an old work electrical box onto the wall where you want to install the light switch, then cut a hole in the wall with a drywall saw.

Remove about 2 inches of the electrical cable from the circuit. Remove an inch of sheathing from the two ends of the cable and about a half-inch of insulation from the wires inside the cable.

Remove the knockout holes on the back of the electrical box. Insert the electrical box into the hole in the wall, sliding the cables through the knockout holes. Screw the electrical box to the wall.

Bend the ends of the black and white cables into a hook with a pair of pliers.

Hook the black wires onto the brass-colored terminal screws on the sides of the light switch, and tighten the screws. Connect the white wires to the silver screws, using the same method.

Cut a 4-inch piece of 12-gauge copper wire. Screw one end to the green ground screw on the light switch. Connect the other end to the bare copper wires in the wall with a plastic connector cap.

Tuck the wiring into the electrical box, then slide the light switch into the box and screw it in place with the terminal screws.

Screw the plate cover onto the wall and restore power to the line.