Can I install a wall light myself?

Question

Hi everyone, I hope you can help. We’ve just moved into a new house and the conservatory doesn’t have any light fixtures. It does have a light switch already installed so there is definitely wiring in there. We want to install a wall light. Is this something I can do myself with no experience or do I need to hire an electrician?

Leonard · Accepted Answer

The regulations state that a competent person can carry out the works. However, that's assuming that the wires that are there are connected correctly to the fuse board and that the cable is in good health. Also the correct cable is used. 

If you just purchased the house it should have had an ECIR done prior to completion. 

If there's a switch on the inside of the house and the light is to go in the conservatory is it a purpose built extension or PVC. If it's PVC you should see the if there was an existing light fitting. 

The good news is that if there is a light switch near by, then it's possible to run a new light feed from this switch to where the light is required (in walls or in trunking)

Hope this helps

Lumia

Dominic · Answer

You need to hire an electrician I would say… it’s not worth the risk to yourself and others. 

I think if you watch and listen to what the electrician says you might learn the basics if you ask, next time you might be ok to do it yourself ??

Antony · Answer

I would advise against installing it yourself until you have referred to the electrical condition report for the house that would have come with the house documents. Connecting onto existing services without testing can cause further complications.

Mark · Answer

Hi there, you need find a a qualified electrician. Home electrics should not be performed my a unqualified person.

Mark

Kevin · Answer

Hi there

You should get a qualified electrician to do the work for you

Kevin · Answer

Hi

If the wiring is there for a wall light then, pretty easy if you have basic knowledge. If not then you need an electrician for sure. 

Kevin - electrician

Matthew · Answer

Hi, I would not reccomend  someone other than a qualified electrician to install or change a light fitting. The reason being an electrician would be able to test using their tester to see if the earth is present at the lighting point, this is the green and yellow wire that is an essential safety feature that protects the individual from an electric shock if the fitting was to become faulty. 
Even if the wire is there and connected it doesn't mean there isn't a break somewhere else. They would also be able to tell whether there are any other further issues with that circuit.

It may also be a good idea to have an EICR carried out if this has not already been done. This is not an expensive test but would check the wiring in the house for any other faults or DIY jobs done poorly.

Hope this helps 
Matt 
Reffell Electrical Services

Gary · Answer

No, all electrical work should be done by a part p registered electrician.

Christopher · Answer

I would strongly advise you not to do it especially if you have no experience. Just because there a switch there doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for a light it may just be a switch wire with no neutral to it. You need to consider your insurance aswell, if it’s a new build you will also invalidate your warranty. This would be classed as minor work if your going off the old circuit and would not need declaring to the council. However lighting circuits can be confusing. It’s up to you but I would advise against it.

Lewis · Answer

You will need an electrician, this is definitely not someone should be trying to do themselves

Mark · Answer

Hi,
From the information you have provided I would recommend an electrician. 
Not knowing where the existing cables run could cause issues for safe working, and a safe installation.
Regards
Mark

Craig · Answer

The problem you have is you need to identify what the switch is doing , possibly an outside light , although you should have a live wire at the switch you don’t necessarily have a neutral

Mick · Answer

I would question why there is a switch with no light already.
Simple rule if you don't know don't touch, because if you make a mistake, you will still have to get someone out to fix that as well costing more, that is of course if your lucky enough not to start a fire.

Ansir · Answer

Hi,

You definitely need to find existing wire for light and wire in switch coming from light. So without finding existing wire your switch is useless  

Otherwise hire a electrician who may charge around £50 to install it. Thanks

Mark · Answer

I would recommend you hire an electrician as it will require a little investigation to see how far along the lighting installation is and to check it is fused correctly and complies with BS7671

Kevin · Answer

I would suggest you employ a qualified electrician as it will need testing before being put to use also unless you know what you are doing. Electricity can kill

Adrian · Answer

Hi lighting is probably too difficult for
any novice and working with electrical 
circuits should be done by a qualified
electrician. 
If was an easy profession we wouldn't 
have to take so many exams. 
Most DIY can be done by homeowners.
This can't.

Can I install a wall light myself?

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