Changing Out A Ceiling Light Fixture

Changing out a ceiling light fixture is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. By following these instructions, you can safely and easily update the look of your home.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Allow the fixture to cool completely before touching it.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Use a sturdy ladder or step stool to reach the fixture.

Materials Needed

You will need the following materials to change out a ceiling light fixture:

New light fixture
Screwdriver
Wire strippers
Electrical tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to change out a ceiling light fixture:

Remove the old light fixture.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the light fixture in place.
- Carefully pull the light fixture down from the ceiling.
- Disconnect the wires from the light fixture by unscrewing the wire nuts.
Prepare the wires.
- Use wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires.
- Twist the exposed wires together in a clockwise direction.
Connect the wires.
- Wrap the black wire from the new light fixture around the black wire from the ceiling.
- Twist the wires together in a clockwise direction.
- Repeat this process for the white wires and the ground wires (usually green or bare copper).
Secure the wires.
- Screw on the wire nuts to secure the connections.
- Wrap electrical tape around the wire nuts to further insulate them.
Mount the new light fixture.
- Lift the new light fixture up to the ceiling.
- Align the mounting screws with the holes in the ceiling.
- Screw the light fixture into place.
Install the bulbs.
- Screw the bulbs into the sockets on the new light fixture.
- Turn on the power.
  - Go to the circuit breaker or fuse box and turn the power back on to the light fixture.