Light Fixtures

When replacing light fixtures there are several steps to insure that you will end up with a safe and working fixture. The first step will be to shut off the electrical power. Simply turning off the light switch will provide enough protection but if you really want to be safe, shut of the power at the circuit breaker. You may either flip the circuit to the off position or remove the fuse. When doing this you should know that all electrical appliances will then be shut off. This includes computers and alarm clocks. Safety when working with electricity should always be a priority.

Ceiling and wall mounted light fixtures almost always have two or three wires. These will include a hot wire which is usually black in color, a neutral wire that is often white in color, and sometimes a ground wire. The hot wire is the one that turns your lighting fixture on and off.

Now you are ready to dismount the lighting fixture. First, remove any light bulbs from the fixture. Remove the bolts attaching the fixture to the ceiling or wall. If there is an adapter plate you will need to support his plate while dismounting the fixture. Light fixtures that are attached directly to the ceiling or wall will often just be attached with toggle bolts. These types of fixtures will often have the wiring encased inside the lighting fixture.

If you are able to see the spliced wired, you can take those apart and straighten them out. Remove the cable connector and slide it off of the feed wires. Mark the hot wire by placing a small nut on the end. Take your new light fixture and find the hot fee wire. This will be connected to the neutral wire. The neutral wire will need to be connected to the button at the bottom of the socket. The hot wire is then connected to the screws on the socket sides. Always remember to splice your hot wire last. This will reduce the risk of shock.

Mounting your new light fixtures should be easy. Push the splice wires into the ceiling or supporting plate and attach your fixture with toggle bolts. Replace the light bulb and restore the electrical power. You can now enjoy your new light fixtures.