How to Replace an Outdated Light Fixture
- 1). Secure power to the old light fixture at the main electrical panel by turning the off breaker.
- 2). Situate a ladder under the outdated light fixture. Climb the ladder and unscrew the light mounting assembly screw. This will be under the cover plate and over the electrical wiring or tubing covering the wiring.
- 3). Pull off the cover plate affixed to the ceiling to expose the wiring and mounting assembly. Unscrew the mounting assembly from the wood frame inside the ceiling. Have someone assist you to hold the weight of the old fixture while you are unscrewing it and to carry it away once unattached.
- 4). Take off the wire nuts connecting the outdated light fixture to the house's electrical wiring and pull the old light fixture away from the ceiling and hand it to the person assisting you.
- 5). Strip the ends of the wires of the new light fixture and align the new light fixture under the old mounting assembly in the ceiling. Attach the ground wire to the ceiling mount with a screwdriver.
- 6). Braid the negative wire from the ceiling to the negative wire to the new fixture with your fingers or use needle-nose pliers. This is usually a black or white wire. Braid the positive or red wire from both the fixture and the ceiling together. Screw wire nuts over both braided connections.
- 7). Screw the new light fixture to the ceiling mount with a flat or Phillips screwdriver. Slide the cover plate up to the ceiling and tighten, if applicable. Turn the breaker back on to test the new light fixture.