How to Wire a Light Fixture with Only Two Wires

Wiring a light fixture with only two wires may seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the basic principles. With some planning and the right materials, you can successfully install lighting in your home - even in locations that lack a neutral wire. Here's a step-by-step guide to wiring a light fixture with two wires:

What You Need

Wire strippers
Voltage tester
Electrical tape
Wire nuts
Light fixture with wires
Light bulbs
Ladder

Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before beginning any electrical work. Safety should always come first!

Identifying the Wires

The first step is to identify the two wires protruding from the electrical box. They will typically be:

Hot wire - Usually black, brings power from the breaker panel to the light.
Switch wire - Typically white, connects to the light switch to control power to the fixture.

Use a voltage tester to confirm - the hot wire will show current.

Connecting the Light Fixture

With the power off, you can begin attaching the new light fixture:

Strip the wires - Remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of all wires using wire strippers. This exposes the metal so you can make connections.
Attach the hot wire - Using a wire nut, connect the black hot wire from the electrical box to the black hot wire from the light fixture. Wrap the connection tightly clockwise and tape it for a secure hold.
Attach the switch wire - Next, connect the white switch wire from the electrical box to the white neutral wire from the light fixture, again using a wire nut. Tape the connection.
Grounding - If there is a grounding wire in the box (typically green or bare copper), connect it to the ground wire from the light fixture (also green). This provides an extra layer of safety.
Mount the fixture - With all wires securely connected, you can now mount the light fixture to the electrical box, following the specific instructions that came with the fixture.

Testing and Use

With everything connected properly, you can now turn the power back on and test the light:

Turn on the light switch - the light should turn on!
Check connections for heat - they should never be warm to the touch. Rework any connection that is hot.
Install lightbulbs and any missing fixture covers.

Take pride in your successful two-wire light installation! You now have the skills to provide lighting in more spaces in your home. Stay safe by keeping all light fixture wires and connections in good condition.