How to Change Light Fixtures

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Change Light Fixtures

Changing a wall or ceiling-mounted light fixture is a relatively easy job, especially if the new hardware is compatible with the old fixture. Just follow these steps to install a new light fixture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Light Fixture
Pliers or Vise-Grips
Screwdriver
Circuit Tester
Step Ladder

Step 1

Turn off the circuit breaker for the area where the light is located. Don’t skip this step, and don’t just turn off the light at the switch.
Step 2

Remove light bulbs from fixture if it’s a hanging-type light. For a flush-mounted fixture, loosen and remove the nuts on the shade or lamp enclosure and unscrew light bulbs.
Step 3

Loosen mounting nuts on fixture base-plate with your fingers. Use pliers to start turning nuts if they are stuck, or use screwdriver if base-plate is screwed into mounting plate. Pull base-plate away from the mounting plate to expose wiring.
Step 4

Remove wire nuts by twisting them counter-clockwise. Untwist wires and pull old fixture down from ceiling or wall and set it aside. Carefully note what color wires were twisted together in the old fixture, and use a circuit tester to make sure which wire is hot, neutral and ground (see Tips).
Step 5

Cross Bar Mount

Hold new fixture up to mounting plate to check clearance and make sure mounting bolts are long enough. If new fixture base plate is a different shape, you may have to adjust the cross bar or install a different length threaded nipple.
Step 6

Twist three wires of new fixture onto the corresponding house wires, turning clockwise and screw on wire nuts clockwise. Push wires up behind mounting plate.
Step 7

Push the base plate of new light fixture onto the mounting bolts and thread on nuts. Tighten the nuts a few turns, then screw in one light bulb and test wiring by turning on circuit breaker.
Step 8

Turn off circuit breaker again and tighten mounting bolts and screw in all light bulbs. For flush-mounted fixture, mount shade or enclosure and tighten outside nuts. Turn circuit breaker back on, and you're ready to go.