A new light fixture can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room.
The work itself is usually quite easy, though anytime you are working with electricity there is some danger.
Like plumbing, electrical repairs are often fairly simple if the system is relatively new and follows accepted practices.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Before You Begin
Turn the wall power switch controlling the light fixture to the OFF position.
How you do this will depend on thetype of fixtureyou have.
Disconnect the light fixture from the circuit wires by unscrewing the wire connectors.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Disconnect this as well.
Set aside the detached light fixture.
Finally, remove the old mounting strap that is secured to the ceiling box.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The new fixture will come with its own mounting strap.
Prepare the New Ceiling Fixture
Unbox the new ceiling fixture.
Carefully remove the glass shade and set it aside in a safe place.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the plastic bag containing the hardware and set it aside, as well.
Remove the fixture base from the box and examine its wires.
Join the black wire leads together as well.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Read the light fixture instructions to determine how your light fixture will be mounted to the ceiling box.
This can vary, depending on the size and weight of the light fixture.
Sometimes, it will be a simple matter of screwing the light fixture base directly to the ceiling box.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The light fixture instructions may also give you guidance on the proper way to attach the mounting strap.
If your fixture requires it, screw the threaded mounting rod into the center opening on the strap.
This is usually used for heavier lights, such as chandeliers and otherhanging light fixtures.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The circuit ground wire may be connected to a green ground screw in the back of the box.
If necessary, reinforce the insulation around the old wires by wrapping them with electrical tape.
The electrical tape should cover the insulation up to the exposed bare copper at the end of the wire.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Just remember that the light fixture’s ground lead must have a metal pathway to the circuit grounding wire.
It is dangerous to install a ceiling fixture without this ground pathway.
It is a little more complicated if the ceiling box is metal.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Here, both the box and the light fixture need to be connected to the circuit ground wire.
Do the same with the circuit and fixture hot wires (both usually have black insulation).
Once in place, tighten the screws down firmly so the fixture base is tight against the ceiling.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Turn the power back on, then turn on the light switch to test the operation of the fixture.
If the fixture operates correctly, roll out the globe or shade, as directed by the manufacturer.
They can overheat and fail and may pose a fire hazard.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Can I use an LED bulb or a CFL in a totally enclosed fixture?Energy Star.
