How to Install a Ceiling Fixture

Adding a ceiling fixture to a room isn't difficult, and it can make a lot of difference in your room. A ceiling fixture can be used for a regular overhead light, or to suspend track lighting or other lighting options. It's a great way to instantly update the look of any room.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Threaded nipple
• Knockout punch
• Mounting strap
• Long-nose pliers
• Wire stripper
• Ceiling mounted light fixture
• Circuit tester
• Electrical box
• Insulated screwdriver

1. Turn off power to the circuit on which the ceiling fixture is located. Use a neon circuit tester to be sure that power is off.

2. Pull the wiring into the electrical box using insulated pliers.

3. Strip 3/4 inches of insulation to expose bare wires.

4. Attach mounting strap to electrical box to support the light fixture if the box doesn't already have a mounting strap attached.

5. Screw a threaded nipple through the mounting strap onto the collar of the support in the box. Make sure that the nipple is long enough to extend through the opening in the fixture.

6. Splice the wires in the fixture to the wires in the ceiling box, matching black to black wire, white to white wire and green to green grounding wire. Follow any diagrams with your lighting fixture.

7. Pigtail the green grounding wire to the grounding screw or to the mounting strap to ground the fixture.

8. Insulate all wires with caps.

9. Tuck wires into ceiling box neatly.

10. Place the fixture cover over the nipple and secure with the mounting nut.

Tips & Warnings

• Be certain that you are using an attachment method that will support the weight of the light fixture. Consult a professional for advice if you're not certain.
• Installing a ceiling fixture calls for basic electrical skills. If you're not comfortable working with electricity or don't understand basic safety precautions for working with electricity, consult a professional electrician.