How to Replace a Light Socket

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

I Did This Rate: (3 Ratings)

Replacing a light socket doesn't need to involve sparks or the melting of your fillings from unexpected jolts of electricity. It can actually be done easily and safely. Follow these simple instructions to replace a light socket.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Standard and Phillips screwdriver
Step ladder
New light fixture (light socket)
Wire stripper

Step1

Locate the circuit breaker for the socket you plan to replace. Turn it off. This can be checked by flipping the light switch to on--the light should not go on. Remove the globe and any other decorations. Remove the light bulb.

Step2

Check the fixture to see how it is attached. It is either attached by screws that extend through the fixture into the junction box or by a center post that runs through the fixture and is attached by a decorative nut. Remove the screws or the nut.

Step3

Pull the fixture away from the junction box. Insulated wiring will be exposed. Label the wires according to how they are attached. Alternatively, write down a schematic of what wires are attached to each other.

Step4

Unscrew the wire nuts (the plastic cone-like pieces around the splicings)that join the wires. If the ground wire is screwed into the junction box, free it from its screw. Separate the fixture wires from the wires in the junction box.

Step5

Check the wires on your new fixture to see that a length of at least 1/2 inch has been stripped of insulation. If they are not, remove as much insulation as is necessary.

Step6

Attach the wires from the new fixture to the wires of the junction box, white to white, black to black, and bare copper (ground) to the screw in the junction box. Use the old wire nuts or new ones if the old nuts are cracked or substantially worn.

Step7

Check to see that there are no exposed lengths of bare wire. Gently push the wires into the junction box. Reattach the fixture with its screws or the decorative nut.

Tips & Warnings

Labeling the wires is important because not all fixtures are attached by means of one simple set of wires coming into the junction box. Some fixtures may be attached in parallel with other fixtures. However, wires of the same color will be attached to each other.
Normally, the wires in a junction box will be colored white and black.
To use a wire nut, place the stripped ends of the wire together, pointing the same way. Then slip the nut over the wires and turn it clockwise. The wires will catch and twist together. You need not twist them together before you apply the wire nut.
Follow any instructions that come with the fixture.