How to install a hanging light?

Question

I would like to install a hanging light on my ceiling but the cord that the light comes with is a plug made for an outlet. Obviously the ceiling does not have an outlet (it's just the wires where lighting fixtures are connected). How am I supposed to install this?

Will I need a different cord (one that will connect directly to the electrical wiring of the light fixtures) or is it possible to install an outlet there (but if this is possible, won't it look bad since the hole is circular while the outlets would be in a rectangular shape)?

Thanks!

*I know my terminology and explanation is probably VERY BAD, I'm not good with this kind of stuff, sorry.

Answer 1

Buy the correct fixture. Fixtures are available with cord and plugs or for direct wiring.

Rico talks about code and then tells you to cut the plug off. Good grief. He better stick to waiting on tables.

Answer 2

Install a receptacle where the wires are hanging out of the ceiling. It will look a little odd, but you bought the fixture so that's you problem.

Answer 3

many ceiling hanging style of lights are called "swag" lights if it not to heavy, a simple ceiling hook that goes into the ceiling joist would work. but it has to a have chain that the cord is usually woven through. then you put the chain on the hook. then take another hook near the wall (where a receptacle should be) swag the chain and chord over to the wall hook and then down to the receptacle. but it's hard to tell if that will work from here.

Answer 4

To do it to code you have to run a 14 ga. insulated wire (Romex) from a hot junction box to a junction box mounted to a rafter (ceiling joist). Cut off the plug in wires at the black and white wires coming out of the unit and wirenut them to the corresponding black and white wires in the romex. The bare copper wire is a ground. Mount the light to the junction box. If it doesn't knock out the circuit breaker, voila! "...and the light was good!"