A dark closet makes it harder to find your clothing.
Adding a light that turns on the moment you open your closet door adds functionality to your closet. Too often closets are dark, which makes it hard to locate the items you want. Magnetic switches are easy to install, and you can use a simple adapter to plug the light bar into a close outlet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place the two halves of the magnetic switch on the work table. One switch will have a plastic panel that covers two screws. This is the part that will mount to the closet door jamb. The other switch will look like a white, plastic rectangular box.
2. Place the light bar on the table. Most kits come with an LED light bar that is designed to mount directly above the door trim on the inside wall of the closet. The light bar will have wires to one side that connect to an inline plug. The inline plug will have two wires used to connect to the magnetic switch.
3. Position the adapter on the table. The adapter allows you to plug the switch and light into a nearby outlet. The end of the adapter will have two wires. Disconnect the inline plug on the wired end of the light bar. The plug should simply pull apart under gentle pressure.
4. Strip off 1/2 inch of wire insulation from the end of each wire on the adapter. Strip off 1/2 inch of wire insulation from the end of each wire on the detached inline plug. Attach the negative wire (black wire) of the adapter to the magnetic switch. Bend the exposed wire end around the screw and tighten down screw. Attach the negative wire (black wire) of the detached inline plug to the magnetic switch following the same technique. Press the plastic cover over the screws.
5. Insert the positive wire (white wire) of the adapter into one end of an electrical connector. Insert the positive wire of the detached inline plug into the other end of the same connector. Compress the electrical connector with strong pliers at each end and then the center to attach the wires together securely. Plug the inline plug together. Plug the adapter into the wall. Separate the switch. The light should turn on. If it doesn't, you may have the adapter wires reversed. Some wires are not colored to assist you in determining which is positive and which is negative. Correct your wiring.
6. Unplug your adapter. Stand inside your closet on a step stool. Position the switches together at the top of the door jamb. They should be on the side of the door closest to the outlet. Practice opening the door to make sure they will fit and touch correctly. Screw the wired part of the switch to the jamb as close to the top corner of the jamb as possible. Screw the unwired part to the inside of the door so that the switch will touch the other switch when the door is closed. Position and screw in the light bar above the inside door trim.
7. String the wire down the outside of the inside door trim. Use small electrical staples to hold the wire in place. Bring the wire around the base of the door trim and over to the outlet. Plug in the adapter at the outlet. Arrange the wires to be tucked under the edge of carpet or stapled neatly to the trim and wall.
Tags: inline plug, door trim, magnetic switch, will have, detached inline, detached inline plug