How to Replace an Outdoor Ceiling Fixture

Replacing a broken or outdated ceiling fixture on your porch or deck can add greatly to the curb appeal of your home. Warm light at your entryway invites guests to come up and be welcome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Long-nose pliers
• Threaded nipple
• Collar nut
• Wire connectors
• Mounting strap
• Hickey nut
• Insulated screwdrivers
• Circuit tester

1. Turn off power to the outdoor circuit at the main switch. Test for power using a neon circuit tester.
2. Unscrew any nuts holding the fixture in place. Be sure to support the fixture as you remove the screws.
3. Disconnect the wires from the lighting fixture to the electrical box. Set the old fixture aside.
4. Check to see if there’s a mounting strap. If not, attach one.
5. Prepare the new fixture by stripping ¾ of an inch of insulation from the wires.
6. Connect the wires from the new fixture to the power box. Connect white to white, black to black and green to green. Cap wires with wire nuts.
7. Tuck wires into the ceiling outlet box.
8. Attach light fixture to mounting strap following manufacturer directions.
9. Screw the fixture canopy into place.
10. Turn electrical power back on and test the fixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a hickey nut to support extra weight if you are using a heavy or hanging ceiling fixture.
• Always be sure that power is off to any circuits with which you are working. Use a neon tester to be positive that you’re safe from electrocution.

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