Introduction
Your living space is a reflection of your personality and style. You want it to be welcoming, comfortable and functional while also incorporating your own decorative preferences. Lighting has a significant impact on the ambiance of your home, affecting the mood and perception of your space. Your home lighting fixtures also offer you the chance to express your decor style while also ensuring that you have a well-lit room.
One of the most easy and effective ways to enhance the lighting of a room is to install a plug-in light kit. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these kits, whether for a DIY installation or when hiring a professional electrical contractor.
What is a Plug-in Light Kit?
A plug-in light kit is a set of electrical components that allow you to convert any existing lighting fixture or hanging lamp into a plug-in lamp, instead of relying on internal wiring to power the fixture.
Plug-in light kits are extremely easy to install and do not require any special skills or knowledge regarding electrical wiring. They typically come with extension cords, sockets, and necessary hardware that fit easily into most lamp and lighting fixture bases.
Advantages of Plug-in Light Kits
Installing a plug-in light kit has many benefits, including:
- Being cost-effective
- They’re simple to install by even a novice DIYer
- Offer flexibility when it comes to lighting your space.
Cost-Effective
One of the major benefits of plug-in light kits is that they’re budget-friendly. Rather than hiring an electrician to wire a new electrical box, you can convert an existing lighting fixture with a plug-in light kit, saving you money on permits, labor, and material costs.
DIY Installation
Plug-in light kits are easy to install and require no special knowledge of electrical wiring. You can install it yourself in minutes with basic tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters. The installation process typically involves disconnecting the fixture from the electrical box and connecting the plug-in components to the fixture base.
Flexibility
Plug-in light kits offer more flexibility in lighting your space. You can easily move the lamp wherever you want or make changes to your lighting scheme without having to worry about wiring fixtures properly.
Steps to Install a Plug-in Light Kit
Here are the basic steps to install a plug-in light kit into an existing lighting fixture:
- Remove the Existing Light Fixture
- Unscrew the wiring; separate the fixture from the ceiling
- Unscrew the cap that’s connecting the wires
- Strip and Connect the Wires
- Add the Socket and Hardware
- Assemble the Cap and Cover
- Install the Light Bulb
- Plug the Lamp into the Outlet
Buying a Plug-in Light Kit
Plug-in light kits are available in various sizes, colors, and styles to choose from to suit your preferences. Before purchasing one, it’s essential to consider the type of lamp you want to convert and choose the right kit accordingly. Some plug-in light kits may also have different wire lengths and socket depths, and it’s essential to check the kit’s specifications before purchase.
