Light Fixture Replacement

Light fixtures eventually fail requiring  a light fixture replacement or you may just get tired of an out of style light fixture and want to replace it with something more modern. This is an easy DIY project that is perfectly safe to perform if you follow some basic safety rules. Most new light fixtures have mounting hardware that is either the same as the old hardware or is adaptable to the old installation. However, if you are replacing an overhead light fixture with a much heavier fixture you must insure that the mounting hardware is of sufficient strength to support the heavier fixture. Large light fixtures such as a chandelier or ceiling fans have a mount fixture that is attached to the ceiling joist with heavy duty screws that can support the weight.

In shopping for a light fixture replacement visit the show rooms of an electric supply center. There seems to be an endless variety of light fixture styles to choose from and not all of them are high quality fixtures. Stay with name brand manufacture’s when selecting your new fixture. Inexpensive poor quality fixtures may sound like a good deal but they may not last nearly as long as the more quality fixtures.

Safety first:

Before attempting to change a light fixture turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse panel. Do not rely on just turning off the light switch to the fixture.

If you are using a step ladder insure that it is in good working condition and place in below the fixture. Do not climb above the top two steps to avoid toppling the ladder.

How to do it:

Once the power is off remove all light bulbs from the fixture.

Remove the bonnet of the fixture, usually held on with two finger nuts.

Disconnect the wires, usually black and white, by unscrewing the wire nuts. Do not disturb any other wires in the box.

Install the new fixture following the manufactures directions, usually in the reverse order taking care that the white wires of the fixture are attached to the white wires in the box and the black wires are attach to the black wires in the box. Always twist the wires together (white to white and black to black) before screwing on the wire nuts. If the new fixture has a ground wire, usually a green or bare copper wire, be sure you attach it to the ground screw and the bare cooper wire in the box.

Install the bonnet and light bulbs.

Turn on the power to your new light fixture. Light fixture replacement is an easy home improvement project.