Buzz
A comprehensive manual for replacing and wiring a light fixture
If you're seeking a straightforward method to enhance a room, consider replacing your current light fixture with a new pendant or chandelier. Installing a light fixture is an intermediate DIY project achievable in just a couple of hours. It necessitates basic electrical skills, a screwdriver, and a new fixture. In this guide, we'll demonstrate how to install a new light fixture, whether or not existing wiring is present.
Essential Information
- Before replacing a light fixture, switch off the circuit breaker. Then, unscrew the canopy and wires counterclockwise.
- To install a fixture without existing wiring, create openings in the wall and ceiling for a junction box and the fixture. Thread an electrical Romex cable through each opening.
- Connect the wiring to the new fixture by twisting the respective wires clockwise. Secure the wires with wire nuts and install the fixture.
Procedure
Locate the circuit breaker switch.
Turn off the circuit breaker that corresponds to the room. Every residence has a circuit breaker panel, regulating all electrical power. Look for a matte grey metal box in areas like the basement, garage, utility closet, or hallway. Each circuit controls power to a specific room. Flip the corresponding switch to the 'OFF' position before handling any wiring.
- For instance, if you're changing a light fixture in the living room, locate the corresponding 'LIVING ROOM' circuit breaker.
- If dealing with an older circuit breaker, you might have fuse blocks instead of switches. Remove the fuse block; either side is labeled 'ON' and 'OFF.' Insert the fuse block with the 'OFF' side facing up.
- Always deactivate the power before any electrical work to prevent shocks or contact with hot wires.
PRO TIP
Jeff Huynh
Professional Handyman
Professional Handyman
Prioritize safety when dealing with electricity. Jeff Huynh, the general manager of Handyman Rescue Team, advises: 'Always start by turning off the power when installing a light. Flip the switch off and turn off the breaker. If uncertain about the breaker for that room, deactivate the entire panel.'
Detach the existing light fixture.
Loosen or untwist the canopy to expose the wires underneath. Utilize a stepladder to access the light fixture. If dealing with a suspended overhead light, the canopy is the curved covering concealing the light's wiring and hardware. Remove any screws using a suitable screwdriver.
- If no screws are visible, as with standard flush mount lights or similar pendant lights, you might need to rotate or trim the canopy.
- If feasible, enlist assistance to support the weight of the existing fixture or balance it with your other hand.
- Consider wearing safety goggles or a mask to protect against dust and debris from the fixture.
Verify the wiring.
- If there's no pre-existing light fixture, examine the wires in the junction box (located on the ceiling or affixed to the wall) with a voltage tester.
- If uncomfortable handling wires, consider hiring an electrician for the task. Installing a light fixture can cost between $155 and $953.
Disconnect the electrical connections.
Turn the wire connectors counterclockwise to detach them. Before adjusting any wires, take a photograph for reference. Rotate the wire nuts counterclockwise using your fingers to release them. Gently separate the wires from the fixture from those in the junction box (usually situated in the ceiling).
- You can also utilize masking tape to mark each wire for future reference.
Mount the bracket.
Attach the mounting bracket securely to the junction box. A mounting bracket ensures the stability of the light fixture. Use a screwdriver to remove the existing mounting bracket from the junction box. Typically, a junction box is fixed to the wall framing; look for a grey metal or plastic box. Use two screws to affix the new mounting bracket to the junction box.
- Every light fixture includes a mounting bracket. Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for installation.
Assemble the new fixture, if required.
Refer to the provided instructions if assembly is required for your fixture. If you're setting up a new pendant or chandelier, it's time to assemble it. Utilize a screwdriver to assemble the fixture. If your new light includes a chain, utilize chain pliers to adjust the chain to your preferred length.
- To reduce the visibility of wires, thread the electrical wires through alternate links in the chain.
- A new light fixture can be installed to enhance the aesthetics of a space or address issues like frequent bulb changes, dimming, flickering, or visible fixture damage.
Establish wiring connections.
Connect the corresponding wires of the new fixture to those in the ceiling. Typically, a light fixture comprises four different wires: a neutral wire (white), a line or load wire (black), a grounding wire (green or bare white), and a strain relief cable (copper color). Wrap the strain relief cable around the grounding screw on the mounting bracket. Then, join the matching wires using wire nuts.
- Connect white-to-white, black-to-black, and green-to-green wires together.
- Afterward, tuck the wires back into the ceiling, ensuring no exposed wires touch each other to prevent electrical issues.
- Your new light fixture will include fresh wire nuts, eliminating the need to reuse old ones.
Secure the new fixture in position.
Install the new light fixture following the manufacturer's guidelines. Consult the instruction manual provided with your light fixture kit. Typically, this involves fastening the light fixture onto the mounting bracket. Then, conceal any exposed screws on the canopy with screw caps provided in the kit.
- If installing a light fixture without existing wiring, you'll need to cut a hole in the drywall using an oscillating tool. The hole should accommodate both the junction box and light canopy.
- Thread an electrical cable (usually Romex) from the light canopy hole to the junction box hole. Employ a wire stripper to remove the outer layer to accommodate the neutral, line, and grounding cables. Connect the corresponding wires to the light fixture.
- The process remains the same for outdoor lights. However, ensure you acquire a UL-rated light fixture suitable for outdoor use.
Fix the trim and insert the light bulb.
Secure the trim using a screwdriver and insert an LED light bulb. If your new fixture includes a trim or cover, fasten it in place with a screwdriver. Then, install the recommended light bulb as per the manufacturer's instructions. To enhance your home's energy efficiency, consider using an LED bulb.
Check the light fixture.
Restore power by flipping the circuit breaker switch to the 'ON' position. Once your new light fixture is securely installed, return to the circuit breaker and reinstate power to the room. Flip the switch and illuminate your space! If the power doesn't activate, it's likely due to improper connection of the white or black wires. Inspect the wires and connections, and retry.
- If issues persist, seek assistance from a local electrician.
Helpful Pointers
-
Enlist a helper to aid in navigating walls, etc.
Materials You'll Require
- Light fixture
- Stepladder
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Masking tape, optional
- Chain pliers, optional for chandeliers
- Oscillating tool, optional
- Electrical cable, optional
- Wire stripper, optional
- UL-rated light fixture, for outdoor use
- LED bulb
- Various screwdrivers
- Assorted wirenuts, typically provided in the light fixture kit
