DIY: Add a Power Outlet to a Light Fixture

If you have a space where electrical wiring and outlets are at a minimum, like a garage, basement , or even patio, you may want to add a power outlet to an existing light fixture. This will save you the time and effort of wiring a new electrical outlet, and still provide you with an extra space to plug things in. Keep in mind, however, that the light will have to be on in order to use the outlet, so only install this combination where you won't mind having the light on.

These light fixtures with built in power outlets come in two varieties. One variety is simply an extension of the fixture, which screws into the original hole for the bulb and provides a new hole from the bulb and some power outlets. If you choose one of these models, you'll only need to unscrew a bulb to complete installation.

However, more sophisticated power outlet and light fixture combinations are available. To install this type of fixture, you must remove the old light fixture and install a completely new fixture.

Step 1: Use the circuit breaker to turn off the electricity to the light fixture you intend to work with. Flip the switch on and off to make sure that the electricity is no longer reaching the fixture.

Step 2: Remove the light bulb from the fixture. If the light has been on recently, you may want to wear work gloves for this step.

Step 3: Unscrew any fasteners holding the light fixture into place. Remove the light fixture from the wall.

Step 4: Detach the wires of the fixture from the wires of the electrical system of the house. Most of the time, each connection will be secured with a wire nut. To detach the connection, simply unscrew the wire nut and untangle the two wire ends.

Step 5: Attach the new light fixture with power outlets to the wires that you just untangled from the old light fixture. Attach the wires, matching the colors or following the manufacturer's instructions for placement locations. Use wire nuts to secure each connection.

Step 6: Screw the light fixture to the wall, coiling the wires into the wall cavity before attaching it to the wall. Add a new bulb to the light fixture.

Step 7: Turn on the power at the main circuit breaker. Flip on the light switch to check to make sure the light fixture is working. Use a radio to check the power outlets to make sure that they are functioning properly.