Last week we introduced you to the recessed outlet and talked about how it can help hide cords for TV’s, computer monitors, digital photo frames…etc. This special electrical outlet can also help when wiring up indirect lighting behind crown molding. By adding a recessed outlet with switch, your indirect lighting behind your crown molding will come to life. We just published a new video showing the major steps for adding one of these to your home (video is at the bottom of this article).
Recessed Outlet with Switch for Crown Molding Lights
Time Involved
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself kind of person, this project should be pretty straightforward. I’m no electrician, but this project took me about an hour in my own home. If you are afraid of electrical or aren’t comfortable with it, be sure to consult your electrical contractor before starting. The last thing you want is to shock yourself…or burn down the house.
Materials and Tools
The good news is, you don’t need any fancy tools for this project. The only item you might need to buy would be a voltage tester to identify the “hot” wire coming into the existing switch. It will also help you make sure the power has been turned off “officially” before touching any wiring. Other items needed include…
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Utility Knife or Drywall Saw
- Single Remodel Electrical Box (plastic kind)
- Double Remodel Electrical Box (plastic kind) – If you are adding to an existing switch like we did in the video.
- Wire (use number twelve for 20 AMP circuit and number fourteen for 15 AMP) You probably won’t need more than 8 feet
- Wire Nuts
- Electrical Tape
- Electrical Pliers
- Switch
Cost
The best part about this project is the cost. Our project cost less than twenty bucks. Of course it will cost you a little more if you need some help from an electrician. Check out our video below to see the details on how we added a recessed outlet with switch.
