Replacing Light Fixture Replacing a light fixture is a great way to bring new life to even the oldest room, and the right lighting can make all the difference in the world. Whether you are replacing a failed light fixture or trying for a brand new look, it is important to know how to do this basic home maintenance the right way.

The good news is that installing a new light fixture is a relatively simple job, one that is well within the skills of most homeowners. It is important, however, to know that when you replace an existing light fixture with a different model the current mounting hardware may not match the new fixture.

If you do need new mounting hardware, it is important to install that new mounting hardware carefully, especially if the new light is large and heavy, as in the case of a new chandelier. If you are mounting a chandelier or other large light fixture it is important to mount the mounting hardware using ceiling joists that will be able to handle the heavy weight.

When replacing an existing lighting fixture, it is important to label the wires with tape before they are detached, especially if there are more than two black wires. Knowing which wires go where will be important when it comes time to install the new light fixture.

When it comes time to replace the lighting fixture, the first step, of course, is to shut off the power running to the circuit. It is also important to be aware that even though you have turned off the circuit and the switch is off, there could still be some live wires in the ceiling box. It is vital to never touch a bare wire until it has been tested with a circuit tester to make sure it is off.

The next step is to unscrew the bulb, and then to remove the nuts which are holding the ceiling canopy or lighting fixture in place. After those nuts have been removed, the canopy or fixture should be carefully lowered until the wires have been exposed. With the wires exposed, the next step is to unscrew the wire nuts, being carefully not to touch the ends of the bare wires.

The next step is to place the two probes of the circuit tester on to the black and the white wires simultaneously in order to be certain they are off. After you are sure the wires are not live, the fixture can be carefully lowered away from the wires.

After the old lighting fixture has been removed, the new one should be installed according to the instructions that accompanied the lighting fixture. It is important to install the new fixture according to the directions on the label, and to read the instructions carefully before proceeding. In most cases it will simply be necessary simply to strip about one half inch of the insulation from the new wire ends, twist them together with the existing circuit wires (matching black to black and white to white), and to then finish the job by twisting on the wire nuts. In addition, many lighting fixtures will contain a grounding screw that needs to receive the bare grounding wire.

After the new lighting fixture is in place, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. The right lighting can make all the difference in the world, and installing a new lighting fixture is one of the most effective of all home improvement projects.