Build a Plug-In Pendant Light Fixture From Start to Finish

Beau Wynja

How to Make Your Own Light Fixture

At Color Cord Company, we help our customers create and update their light fixture designs quickly and easily with advice on how to make a light fixture. We offer tons of resources to help you enjoy the best style and functionality while upgrading your interior lighting. 

If you want to make your own light fixture, you’ll find tutorials, blogs, and videos to help! With these guides, you can explore our modular fixtures and customizable lights, and even shop just lamp parts to create something from scratch..

In this guide, we’ll be reviewing three parts of building a plug-in pendant from start to finish. 

Additionally, you can check out Color Cord Company’s convenient PDF guides with images and video accompaniment to learn how to make a light fixture that will illuminate your home with light, warmth, and joy!

1. Socket Wiring

What You Need to Make Your Own Light Fixture

Instructions

  1. Loosen the plastic screw on the cord grip to open up the inside.
  2. Confirm that the plastic screw is not penetrating the grip interior.
  3. Thread the tape-wrapped cloth-covered cord into the grip.
  4. Pull it through at least 1.25” and wrap electrical tape in that spot as a marker.
  5. Strip the PVC housing on the cord from the center of the tape to the end of the cord.
  6. Confirm that the conductor wires are intact and untouched by your stripping tool.
  7. Strip each of the three internal wires to expose the copper and twist the stranded wires.
  8. Flip the cap upside down and locate the screw to the ground terminal to loosen it.
  9. Bend the exposed copper of the green wire at a 90-degree angle.
  10. Insert the green wire through the top of the cap to connect it with the ground terminal.
  11. Secure the green wire to the hole inside the cap with the screw.
  12. Complete steps 9-11 with the white and black wires – black to the positive and white to the negative terminal in the cap.
  13. Fit the insert back onto the cap.
  14. Align the cap with the shell and twist it into place (Once locked, you WILL NOT be able to reopen this piece).
  15. Slide the cord grip all the way down to meet the socket.
  16. Screw the plastic part of the grip into place to secure it on the cord.

And part one of how to make a light fixture is complete!

2. Plug Prong Wiring

What You Need to Make Your Own Light Fixture

  • Blade or Stripping Tool
  • Electrical Tape
  • Screwdriver
  • Three Prong Plug
  • Barrel Cord Grip
  • Cloth-Covered Cord

Instructions

  1. Remove the screw from the plug.
  2. Separate the prongs from the rest of the plug.
  3. Follow steps 1-3 from the Socket Wiring Guide above.
  4. Insert the plug shell after the cord grip.
  5. Follow steps 5-7 to strip and expose the copper wire from the above guide.
  6. Locate and loosen the screws on the back of the plug for each of the three wire terminals.
  7. Wrap the copper wire around its appropriate terminal – black for positive, white for negative, and green for grounding.
  8. Tighten the screws to secure the wire.
  9. Reattach the plug head prongs with the screw.
  10. Pull the cord grip down the cloth cord so it’s flush with the plug, and tighten the screw.

Now you have both sides of your cord ready to go! One side should be light-bulb ready, and the other should be wall plug-ready. Time for the last piece of how to make a light fixture.

3. Thumb Switch Wiring

What You Need to Make Your Own Light Fixture

  • Blade or Wire Stripping Tool
  • Pliers
  • Electrical Tape
  • Screwdriver
  • Thumb Switch
  • Switch Cap
  • Cloth-Covered Cord

Instructions

  1. Place your tape in two spots along the cloth-covered cord, two inches apart, where you want your thumb switch located.
  2. Cut into the cloth at the center of the tape without nicking the internal copper wires to completely remove the cloth between your two pieces of tape.
  3. Cut and strip only the black wire, exposing the copper filament on each end and twisting the filament on either end around themselves.
  4. Place the exposed copper wires from the black strand on the open tabs of the thumb switch and close the tabs, screwing them in place.
  5. Put the green and white strands of wire across the other side of the thumb switch.
  6. Secure the cap of the thumb switch in place with pliers.

You’ve now learned how to make a light fixture! Shop our selection of light bulbs and shades to personalize your fixture and infuse it with your aesthetic.


For more inspiration for your next light fixture upgrade, explore other DIY projects.

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