Replacing light with a power outlet

Question

i have this built in desk in my room (built into the wall). inside of it, on the top is a light. theres no power outlet near, so i want to convert it to a junction box, extend the wire through the wall down to the bottom and put a power outlet there...is that feasible? how would i go about doing so?

Answer 1

How about just using an extension cord?  

Answer 2

It's feasible but what we call in the electrical industry "A kludge."

Electrical supply stores have a continueous - rigid - often tan or white in color made to bring power down the wall without invading the wall structure.

That type of install would be cleaner.  

Answer 3

I don't think the light fixture wiring is adequate to run a desktop, which can be 300W or more. You need to have someone who knows (like an electrician) check out the wiring and see if it's beefy enough to be converted to an outlet.

Answer 4

Yes its feasible.  But its rather complicated to do according to code.  You should contact an electrician to bid on the job.  If the light is controlled by a wall switch you will want to change it so someone is not switching your computer off and on when they enter the room.

Answer 5

Yes I guess you could get away doing this. Yes you do have to worry about the switch shutting off your computer. Shut the power off for that circuit. Remove the light and install a cut in box were the wire is for that light. Below the cut in box at the height you want the outlet cut in another box.(In the same stud space). Fish the wire from box to box, and  install your outlet.