Changing a ceiling light fixture is easier than most people think. You can save a lot of money by learning change fixtures yourself. This article will show you remove the old fixture and install the new one in 30 minutes or less. You do not need special tools or skills to install a new fixture.
Instructions
1. Turn off the power at the breaker box to the room that you will be installing the new light fixture in. The breaker box is typically located in the garage, but can also be inside of a utility room or closet. Flip the switch in the breaker box to the "Off" position. Make sure there is no power to that light by testing the wall switch in the room.
2. Remove the light cover by taking off the decorative bolt cover, and then remove the light bulbs. Loosen the two screws that are securing the base of the light to the ceiling. Slide the base to the right or left. There are two larger holes on each end that the heads of the screws will fit through to get the base off of the mounting screws.
3. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the green screw on the mounting bracket. Remove the copper ground wire from the green screw. Untwist the wire nut on the black hot wires and the wire nut on the white neutral wires. As you undo the last wires, make sure you are holding on to the light.
4. Remove the mounting bracket from the electrical box in the ceiling. There are two screws that hold the mounting bracket. Completely remove the screws using your Phillips head screwdriver. For lights that have a glass cover, there will be a bolt in the center of the mounting bracket that holds the glass cover.
5. Slide the black and white wires on the new light through the bolt in the center of the mounting bracket. Pull the wire sheathing off the ends of the black and white wires. The sheathing is usually precut when you purchase a new light.
6. Hold the bare end of the black wire on the light to the bare end of the black wire in the ceiling. Use a wire nut to twist the two wires together. Repeat this step for the white wires. Secure the bare copper or green wire to the green screw on the mounting bracket.
7. Secure the mounting bracket to the electrical box in the ceiling exactly the same way that the old one was installed. Insert the two mounting screws into each side of the bracket. Place the base of the light onto the mounting screws through the larger holes and then slide the base of the light to the right or left to keep the mounting screws in place. Tighten the mounting screws with your screwdriver.
8. Install the appropriate watt light bulbs according to the instructions. Place the light cover over the bolt and secure with the decorative bolt cover. Turn the power back on at the electrical box.
Tags: mounting bracket, mounting screws, base light, green screw, white wires, bare black, bare black wire