How to Replace an Old Ceramic Light Socket
You can bring a contemporary look to any room by changing out an old ceramic light fixture. It's a relatively quick home improvement that can be done with very little tools and know-how. The important part of the job is keeping safety in mind. You will be dealing with live electrical wire. Forgetting or not being sure you have shut the electric supply off can be deadly. Follow the steps below to update and improve the lighting in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Replacement light socket
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters/crimpers
- Wire screws
Instructions
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1
Turn off the circuit breaker to cut off the electricity to the room where you will be changing the light socket. Double-check to make sure it is off.
Extreme safety when working with electrical items is essential. -
2
Remove any light bulbs and then set them aside. Remove the old ceramic light socket with a screwdriver. The one pictured here has a center screw. However, many are held by two screws.
Pull the socket away from the wall or ceiling to expose the wiring. -
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3
Clip wires apart using a medium-sized pair of wire cutters/crimpers. Leave as much of the house wiring as possible. Twist the ends tightly to prepare for attaching new socket wiring.
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4
Use wire screws to attach the wires directly to one another. Carefully attach the correct corresponding colored wires. If the new light socket assembly requires the wires to be attached to the screws, then the black (hot) wire must be attached snugly to the brass screw and the white (neutral) wire attached snugly to the silver screw. If the new light socket has no bare copper ground wire, yet the house wiring does, simply move it safely out of the way. Familiarize yourself with the new light socket install instructions before attempting it. If space allows, an extra pair of hands can be helpful to hold the new fixture up during the wiring process.
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5
Screw the new light socket assembly securely in place using a screwdriver. Place the light bulb(s) in the socket. Pre-1950's homes can have wiring of different composition than homes built after this period. If you are unsure of the wiring history and are changing from a one bulb socket to two or more, reduce the wattage per bulb to equal the wattage of one. For example, if the single light socket typically uses an 80-watt bulb, use 2 40-watt bulbs in the other two bulb sockets. This will ensure the wiring can handle the demand.
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6
Turn the circuit breaker to the "on" position, and then flip the light switch on and off a few times. Flickering or a delay in light signals a loose wire connection. Shut the electricity off and check that the wires are tightly connected. Turn the electricity back on and retest using the light switch again.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove the old ceramic light socket and take it with you when you pick out a new one. This will make it easier for you to find one that is compatible in terms of wiring design. Don't rush through an electrical job. Take your time and do it right.
Make sure electricity is turned off and that no-one turns it on while you are changing the light socket. Twist the wire ends well to prevent them from touching after installation is complete.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit All images courtesy of Photobucket photo pool.
