Installing picture light with remote power switch
Installing picture light with remote power switch
Today, we are installing a picture light on a wall to create a beautiful ambiance for our vinyl record player wall.
If you like my post, please check out my video version of it on Youtube. I will be uploading a new DIY video every week.
This light will be mounted at 7ft height, such that we will need to add in a mechanism to control the light with a light switch that can be placed at a more accessible height.
I’ve looked around a lot and came down with choosing the following remote controllable power plug. You can find details of this plug in the description page. This product comprises of a wall socket plug that can be controlled via a remote that looks like a wall switch. The switch is operated using a small battery – type CR2032. I will update the details later on how long a single battery lasts for me.
The picture light I chose here is nice gold brass light that emits 3000k warm white light running on 14Watts LED light bulb and nicely blends in with our mid century modern color pallet.
Since the light doesn’t come with a pluggable wire, I separately purchased a extension power cord from Amazon.
Just to show you how this operates, here I am setting up the light on the floor.
I first connect the load wires which are usually marked with black color together between the light fixture and the extension cable. Then the neutral wires which are usually marked in white. The green and ground wires go together.
When they are connected together, I plug in the cord into the wall socket plug. Then simply press on the socket remote which can turns the light on and off by controlling the socket. Also the wall socket comes with a separate built in button on the socket plug so you can control the light when you are far away from the switch. A bonus point on how you can remove the switch out of switch bracket to take the remote with you. But I personally would leave it in the wall mount to avoid loosing the switch.
During the rest of the video I show you how I poke two holes on the wall; one on the top and one at the bottom to hide the wires running from the picture light to the wall plug. I have a more detailed video on my channel on how I hide these cables. Please check out my channel and look for video on hiding wires behind the wall.
Here I have already decided on the position of the light fixture and have made openings at the top and at the bottom. I also have already fished out the wire from the top opening to the bottom.
Notice that I am using a laser level to help me determine where the opening should be located. This is a really handy gizmo.
One tip I have for those who have to handle the installation without a helping hand, most of the times, once you install the lighting fixture bracket, you may be able to tie your light fixture to the bracket temporarily using a string or a zip tie. Once you have them hang close to each other, you can easily connect the wires and simply cut off the zip ties when you are done.
I have finally completed the wire connections and screwed on the light fixture on the bracket.
I then close up the bottom opening with brush wall socket cover to hide the opening properly. Again, I have a more detailed video on how to hide wires behind the wall at my channel. Please check it out if you are interested in seeing more detailed video on it.
Then there it is! After I plug in the light fixture, I can control the light from anywhere using this remote.
Joosenhouse LED Picture Light Fixtures Dimmable 24.4 Inches, Full Metal Artwork Display Lamp with Single Swing Arm, 14W (70W Eqv), Hardwired Connection, 3000K Warm White, Golden-Like Brass Finish – https://amzn.to/3WutshH
Power Cord Pigtail 16 AWG 3 Prong 12 Foot Open End 3 Wire Heavy Duty SJT 16 Gauge Power Supply Cord 120V AC NEMA 5-15P, Replacement Power Cable 13A, 1625W at 125VAC – https://amzn.to/3QQQhey
LoraTap Mini Remote Control Outlet Plug Adapter with Remote Wall Switch, 656ft Range Wireless Remote Control for Indoor Lamps and Household Appliances, No Hub Required, 10A/1100W, White – https://amzn.to/3Xnxnyo
VCE Low Voltage Mounting Bracket (1 Gang, 5 Pack) for Single Gang Wall Plate, Telephone Wires, Network Cables, HDMI, Coaxial, Speaker Cables, Black – https://amzn.to/3iPbJE9
VCE Brush Wall Plate Cable Pass Through, Single Gang Decorator Wall Cover with Brush Opening for Low Voltage Cables, in-Wall Cable Management for Wall Mount TV, Home Theater System, White (2-Pack) – https://amzn.to/3GT7QWE