Installing a wall light allows you to enjoy pleasant, indirect light as well as a decorative touch. It can be placed in a bedroom, a hallway or even outside.
As its name suggests, a wall light is placed against a wall. Based on a few rules, installing a wall light is within everyone's reach.
Wall light installation standards
Before installing a wall light , you need to know some basic rules for an installation that complies with NFC 15-100 standards . This is an operation that is completely feasible even for DIY novices.
However, it is important to know the safety standards in force. For example, the NF standard requires that all fixed lighting must be connected to a DCL box . This device aims to protect drivers when replacing a light fixture .
In addition, wall lights must also be installed at a certain height. Thus, the standard height for this type of lighting is between 180 m and 2 m.
This applies to both plated wall lights, half-wall lights or classic wall lights. The height, however, varies depending on the height of the ceiling, but also on the location of the wall light.
Prepare to install the wall light
First of all, you need to know your material needs. Indeed, you must gather all the tools necessary for installing your wall light.
Start by determining the construction material of the wall where you want to install your light fixture. If it is made of plasterboard, use Molly or Fischer anchors. In the case of a concrete wall, use toggle anchors. Next, you need:
- A tape measure,
- A pencil,
- A spirit level,
- A drill and screwdriver,
- A Phillips screwdriver,
- A wire stripper.
Also, as with all work involving electricity, you should take precautions. This involves turning off the power to the line to avoid electrocution .
It should be noted that the installation of a wall light varies depending on the type of construction. A new house requires the installation of a specific DCL box.
Steps to install a wall light
The steps for installing a wall light are quite simple. To start, take the wall light bracket and mark the location of the wall light using a pencil. Make sure it is straight by using a spirit level .
Then, drill holes with the tool adapted to the nature of the wall and with the dimension corresponding to the dowels. Position the latter in the hole and drive them in using a hammer.
Continue by passing the electrical wires from the wall into the hole provided for this purpose on the wall light. Then, fix the back of the wall light and connect the power supply. To do this, refer to the diagram provided with your light fixture.
The electrical wire may be too long. In this case, you can cut it to the right length. Strip the end of the wire with a wire stripper, then connect the wires to your electrical installation.
How to connect a wall light
Wiring is the most technical step when it comes to installing a wall light. No matter what model of wall light you have, you will see three power supply wires . The red wire, called phase, is connected to the switch.
The blue one, called neutral, is connected to the circuit breaker. Finally, there is the yellow/green striped wire called ground and which is connected directly to the ground. After stripping the ends of the wires, you can connect them to the male electrical plug of your DCL box .
That's not all, you still need to put in a light bulb . Opt for LED bulbs in a warm tint to maintain a warm atmosphere. For outdoor use, you can rely on Ryobi LED lamps that do not require an electrical connection. They are powered by a battery.
Connecting the wall light according to its class
The connection conditions for your wall light vary depending on the class of the light fixture. This is generally mentioned on the product. Class 1 requires an earth connection. On the other hand, class 2 light fixtures , known as double insulation, do not require this type of connection.
However, the power supply circuit must include an earth wire in the event of a change. Finally, class 3 concerns devices intended for very low voltage power supply.
The connection is made by a safety transformer not exceeding 50V . Before starting work, it is strongly recommended to check the class of your wall light.
You can choose between many models of high-end wall lights such as designer, connected and electric wall lights .
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