2x4 Simple Light Fixture

Here is a picture of the final project. This fixture has 4 bulbs (but you can put as many as you want!) and hangs easily from the ceiling

Step 1: Supplies Needed

You can pick up all these supplies at you local hardware store.

- Circular bit for power drill (this will be the same size as the Edison light socket)

- Edison sockets (chhose how many lights you want and buy the same number of sockets. In this instructions, I did a 2x4 light bar with 4 lights)

- Wire (this orange wire I found in the discount bin)

- Gang box

- Light switch (don't make my mistake and buy a three way light switch! Just a simple on/off switch works)

- Make plug

- Light switch cover

(Not pictured)

- Chain for hanging

- Hooks for hanging

- Electrical tape

- Drill bits

And most important:

-A long 2x4

Step 2: Step 2: Mark Your 2x4

The 2x4 I am using is 8 feet and I want to put 4 lights. Therefore, my lights will be spaced 2 feet apart. So I start my marks at 1ft from the end and make a mark every 2ft.

If you enlarge the picture, you can see I have marked the center of the 2x4 as well. It's important to have the circle we will be drilling centered.

Step 3: Step 3: Drill Circles

Drill pilot holes first and drill them all the way through the wood. then use the circular drill bit. If the bit is as short as mine is, you will need to flip the wood over and drill from the other side. Then you will be glad you drill the pilot holes all the way through!

Step 4: Step 4: Glue Edison Fixtures

Shove the fixtures in the hole you just drilled and secure them with wood glue. Make sure that the fixtures are all oriented the same way -- meaning that the black and white wires will line up.

Step 5: Step 5: Splice the Wires

Now connect the wires in parallel. This means that there is one black wire running up that all the black wires connected to the Edison bulb socket connect to, and the same thing for the white wires.

To one wire into the middle of another one, you can cut open (carefully) the rubber coating with a sharp knife. Then splice the two wires together.

Step 6: Step 6: Wire the Plug

Wire in the male socket and test the light to make sure every thing turns on.

When wiring the plug, it doesn't matter which "tooth" the white or black wire is attached to

Step 7: Step 7: Attach Where You Want It

In this case, I'm using some hooks and chain to hang the lamp from the ceiling. Put the lamp where you want it and figure out a good place on the cord where you want to put the switch

Step 8: Step 8: Attach the Swtich

MAKE SURE THE LAMP IS UNPLUGGED and cut the wire where you want the switch. Attach the wires to the light switch and mount it in the gang box. Put the switch cover on, plug it in.

If nothing shorts out and the light switch works, enjoy your new lamp!

Comments

[johnhutnick]

This could be made with 4 plastic junction boxes with the white plastic lightbulb socket covers. Connect with Romex, and it is a lot closer to electrical code and no drilling through the 2x4. Not as simple or elegant, but easier for me.

[gilbequick]

First, good effort on the lights, it looks very effective.

Second, please nobody else make one of these in this manner, it's a fire hazard. All of that wire should at the very least be romex (house wire) and all of the splices inside of junction boxes. Also, those sockets are not designed to be installed in wood like that.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, I'm always a fan of people making everything that they can, but it's not safe in the least bit. If you'd like some assistance designing a safe setup let me know and we'll exchange email address.

[LeeG97]

Yes, this lamp is use at your own risk. That is why there's instructions for the on-off switch. There is probably a very high possibility of dust-build up.

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Nice. I like this way better than those flimsy track lighting bars that you find in most stores.