How to Convert a Hard-Wire Vanity Light Into a Plug-In

The term hard-wire refers to fixture wiring that is spliced directly into a junction box and operated by a switch installed within a wall. If a vanity light is to be modified to operate as a plug-in device, the fixture’s wiring must be removed from the junction box and connected to a plug. Typically, a three-prong plug would be used to provide for the power and grounding connections. You can convert the hard-wired light to operate with a plug using the proper tools, materials and a good understanding of electrical wiring procedures.

Phillips screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Voltage tester
Electrical tape
Wire cutters
Utility knife
Wire strippers
Male electrical plug

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the vanity light circuit at the main electrical panel.
- 2
  Remove the cover plate screws from the junction box using the appropriate screwdriver. Turn the screws counterclockwise. Remove the cover.
- 3
  Pull the wires from the vanity light out from the box as far as the wiring will allow.
- 4
  Remove the wire nuts from the black hot wire, the white neutral wire and the bare copper ground wire. Turn the nuts counterclockwise.
- 5
  Test the black and white vanity light wires with a voltage tester to ensure that no power is reaching the circuit.
- 6
  Loosen the wire clamp screws on the junction box that secures the vanity light wires. Turn the screws counterclockwise.
- 7
  Pull the wires out from the junction box.
- 8
  Reinstall the wire nuts on the power supply wiring inside the junction box. Wrap electrical tape around the wire nuts.
- 9
  Replace the cover on the junction box. Turn the cover screws clockwise with the screwdriver to tighten.
- 10
  Cut the ends of the vanity light wires off at the base of the outer sheathing, using wire cutters. Fresh tips will make reliable connections inside the new plug.
- 11
  Remove approximately 2 inches of sheathing from the cable, using a utility knife.
- 12
  Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the black and white wires, using the wire strippers.
- 13
  Remove the plug cover from the new plug assembly to access the terminals. Turn the screws at the prong end of the plug counterclockwise, using a screwdriver.
- 14
  Pull the vanity light wiring through the rear of the plug cover. The cover must be installed before connecting the wires.
- 15
  Insert the black wire into the brass terminal until it is fully seated. Secure the wire by tightening the terminal screw clockwise with a screwdriver.
- 16
  Install the white wire into the silver terminal and tighten the screw.
- 17
  Connect the bare copper wire to the green grounding terminal. Tighten the green screw clockwise.
- 18
  Slide the cover forward over the terminals. Turn the cover screws clockwise to tighten.
- 19
  Tighten the cable clamp screws at the rear of the plug cover. Be sure that the clamp is secured over the sheathing and not the individual wires.
- 20
  Restore power to the bathroom circuit if other outlets or devices were connected jointly with the vanity light.
- 21
  Plug the vanity light into any available outlet to test.

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