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    rainy278's Avatar
    rainy278 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 16, 2010, 09:46 AM
    How do I switch a hardwired outdoor motion sensor light into a plug in type ?
    I have a hardwired type outdoor motion sensor light. I need to be able to plug it into my outdoor plug in , instead. Reason being, there isn't anywhere for me to wire it into the house. Is this possible ? And how ? Thanks a million , Rainy
    piggingstring's Avatar
    piggingstring Posts: 16, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 17, 2010, 12:04 AM
    How many wires are coming from the light? There should be 1 white, 1 black, and one bare or green. Just buy a plug, and wire black to one side of the plug, and the white to the other side, and the bare/green to the half round post on the plug.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 17, 2010, 04:11 AM

    Rainey...

    How far from the existing light to the outdoor receptacle?

    Is there a sheathed wire or conduit going to the old light? If there is conduit is it metal or plastic conduit?

    Take the light down and tell us if there is 2 or 3 wires going into the light... OK?

    Finally, there are usually ways to install another circuit to a full electrical panel.. such as mini breakers... that allow you to fit two circuits in the same space as one breaker.

    Answer the questions and also let us know if you are on fuses or breakers.

    Mark
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 17, 2010, 06:38 AM

    Wait a minute, please!

    Just because a fixture has a black/white with ground does not mean it is listed to be used with a cord and plug. The manufacturer's instructions would have to state that you can do that.

    If the fixture is supposed to be hardwired, then you should look for near-by a 15 Amp, general use (lighting) circuit and connect to that and then run the continued circuit on to the location where you need the light.

    Lastly, a serious word of caution, if the circuit you plan to tap, does not have a ground wire, you cannot not extend the circuit.
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