Monday, January 14, 2013

Uninstall A Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture

If you want to remove an old light fixture and you've decided you don't want to replace it with a new one, you can't just take it down and leave it at that. The wires must be sealed off and the electrical box closed. The light is wired into an electrical circuit, one that may power other fixtures that you still want and in any case shouldn't be left exposed. See a home improvement store for the right plate covers for your situation.


Instructions


1. Turn off the power to the existing fixture at the house fuse box.


2. Take out the screws holding the fixture in place, using a screwdriver. Disconnect the wires behind it so you can pull the fixture free. Discard it. You will be left with an exposed electrical box, with an insulated black wire and an insulated white wire coming out of it. Both wires will have exposed ends.


3. Snip the wire ends with wire cutters, just below the exposed parts, so both wires are insulated to the ends.


4. Twist a wire cap over the end of each of the wires. Tuck them both up inside the box, positioning them so they aren't touching.


5. Place an electrical plate cover over the box, covering it completely. Line up the screw holes on the cover with those of the electrical box. Secure it with the provided screws.

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