How to Replace an Old Ceiling Fixture
- 1). Shut off the power at the circuit breaker for the light being replaced.
- 2). Remove the light cover and light bulbs.
- 3). Remove the screws holding the light fixture in place, using a Phillips-head screwdriver, and carefully pull it away from the ceiling box until you can reach the wiring.
- 4). Screw the wire caps off the wires and the ground screw from the crossbar.
- 5). Slide the old base off the wires and set it aside.
- 6). Slide the new base onto the wires and fasten it in place with the screws provided and the Phillips-head screwdriver.
- 7). Twist the wires from the electrical box with the wires on the new light fixture. Strip the plastic covering off about 1/2 inch of the end of the wire with the wire stripper if needed.
- 8). Connect the two negative wires (usually white) with each other, then the two hot wires, which are usually black or red. Cover them with the wire caps or wrap them with electrical tape. If you are uncertain which wire is hot, use the wire tester to figure it out. This may require turning the power back on at the breaker, testing the wires, then turning the power back off at the breaker to finish installing the lamp. Do not let the wires touch during this process.
- 9). Fasten the copper ground wire to the crossbar with the grounding screw--tighten it enough with the screwdriver to hold the wire in place securely.
- 10
Screw in the light bulbs. - 11
Attach the cover to the base, if required. - 12
Turn the power at the circuit breaker back on and test the light.