Lights are one of the most important things that we use around the house. Without them we would be blind and would have to rely on candles or natural light. They are useful and with the right fixture they can become the perfect decoration piece. Unfortunately not all of us are happy with the fixtures that we have. Learn how to replace those outdated or broken light fixtures.
- The first thing you must do is to turn the power off. You can do this at the service panel. Do not forget this or you might electrocute yourself. When removing the fixture base from the wall or the ceiling mount, test the wire to make sure that the power is off. Use a neon tester on each of the insulated wires and another on the metal box or the grounding wire. If this lights up than the power is still on.
- Use the appropriate tool to take off the screws or nuts that are holding the globe or light shade.
- Now take off the screws or nuts securing the fixture to the outlet box. Find someone who can support the weight of it so it does not shatter over the ground.
- Remove the wire connectors that unite the fixture wires to the outlet box. If the body of the fixture is grounded you will need to remove anything that is securing it to the grounding wire.
- Anything that weight more than fifty pounds should be secured separately from the electrical box. If you can reach above it, install wood bridging in between the joists set above the box. Screw the box into the bridging from underneath. If this is not possible, purchase a retrofit mounting hardware for ceiling fans and follow the instructions.
- Look closely at where the new mounting holes should be in comparison to the ones that already exist at the outlet box. If you need to, purchase new mounting straps or a universal mounting plate.
- Link the new light fixture to the wires that connected the older one and mount the fixture to the box. Remember to secure it with the necessary screws or nuts. Using needle nose pliers, create a loop in the wires and wrap them together clockwise underneath the terminal screw. Cut off any extra wires.