How to Hang a Light Fixture

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By Toelken
User-Submitted Article

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Hanging Light Fixture

How to wire and install a hanging light fixture

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Screw Gun
Voltage Tester
Ladder

Step 1

Fixture Boxes

If you already have an existing mounting box in the ceiling make sure that it can hold the weight of the fixture. Most hanging fixtures aren't very heavy. If you don't think the fixture can hang from the existing mounting box. You can purchase a new mounting box for heavier weighted fixtures. If your box is mounted to a ceiling joist you can also use a pancake box.
Step 2

First you must turn the power off. You can do that at the switch and test the wires to make sure the power is off. The other way is to shut the power off at the main breaker box.If you must install a new box remove the old one and see if there is enough room in between the joists to use a ceiling fan box with a bar. Slip the bar and or box through the hole and fasten.
Step 3

Mounting Bracket

Once the box is installed or you have determined that the existing box will work. Screw the mounting bracket to the mounting box. Pull the wires down so that they are easier to work with. You should only be attaching the fixture to the black,white and bare wires.
Step 4

Wiring the Fixture

Hold the Light Fixture up to the box and attach the black wire from the light to the black wire(s)in the box with a wire nut. Then white to white and bare to bare or green wire which would be the ground. Make sure all the connections are tight. Check by pulling on each one individually.
Step 5

New Fixture

Push the excess wire and nuts up into the box. The fixture most likely will have a nut on the fixture canopy. Tighten the nut onto the hanging bracket. That's all there is to it. Light Fixtures are a great way to modernize your home.