moving a switch from the light to the wall

justin2501

Hey everyone, in a new apartment I have a light with a pull string on it, and I want to replace the pull string with a standard switch on the wall. This is a small bedroom, and there are no signs of any previous switches having been on the wall before.

Please let me know if this is DIY material or if I would need a professional to come in or if there are any specialty products on the market.

Bocolo

The easiest thing to do would be to buy a wireless switch unit. You would screw the unit unto the socket and the bulb into the unit and tape the switch that comes with it on the wall. Otherwise you would need to run a wire from the fixture to the new switch location. Not easy if you never done it before or understand how electricity works. Easy if you know what you are doing.

http://www.amazon.com/Carlon-HW2162-...ef=pd_sim_hg_4

jogr

If it's an apartment you better talk to your landlord first before changing the electric system.

justin2501

Ah sweet, thanks for the link Bocolo I'd been searching for remote switches but this one looks Much better for the job.


Also we've been taking a lot of liberties fixing up the apartment, which we worked into the arrangement with the landlord Jogr, I know it's not conventional but with a little TLC the apt is steadily approaching a 4 star from a 2 star.

Bocolo

Not a problem. Good luck.

Leah Frances

Justin - keep ALL your receipts. See if you can negotiate LL to offset capitol improvements (my last LL paid 50% of my material costs when I moved out - and he was a first-class cheapskate). He paid when we moved out.

__________________
If I could only remember to THINK about what I was doing before I did it.

MurphyTXMom

Hi Bocolo. Rene here; I just registered. Great info. I've got the same problem, but in a closet and the chain has broken inside the fixture for the umpteenth time. I know how to run the wire to a switch, but it's really a pain to fish through these walls of mine. If I buy the wireless switch/socket combo, do I still need to hard wire a new fixture into the ceiling, or can I just use the one that the chain broke off of? The chain broke with the light off, if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance.

jbberns

Have to use the new fixture with remote

MurphyTXMom

I know I need to screw the socket receiver into the ceiling fixture, but you're saying (just for clarification) that I also need to hard wire a new fixture to the existing ceiling wiring? If that's the case, should it be another pull-chain type fixture? Thank you very much.
Rene

rjniles

If you can get the light switch to turn the fixture on, there is no need to replace it. Just install the remote. If you must replace, use one with a pull switch in case you ever want to remove the remote.

MurphyTXMom

Thanks a TON! I'll buy a new pull-type fixture today. Heckuva lot easier than fishing through insulated walls!

Jupe Blue

A good solution for the closet is to use Wiremold (surface conduit system). Use a round Wiremold extension box at the light fixture box, run a switch loop to a switch box and you're done. Should not run to much for materials since it's a closet.

MurphyTXMom

Thanks Jupe. The only problem with running wire in this house is that the previous owners installed insulation IN EVERY wall in the house. Fishing wire is not a big deal in hollow walls, but this house is proving very difficult every time I try to update/upgrade anything. Thanks again.

220/221

The BEST solution for a closet light is a fixture with a built in motion detector. No switch required. Open the door and it's on. Works well for places like laundy rooms too.

MurphyTXMom

Hi. I thought about that, too. They are easier to find locally, but his closet has no door. Can't you set the sensitivity on those things, so the light will only pop on if he steps into the closet? Thanks.