Things You'll Need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
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Step 1
Turn off the power at the breaker switch. Secure the breaker box with a lock or a warning note.
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Step 2
Disassemble the lamp. Remove the light bulb through the open underside, or take off the top cover to access the bulb. Outdoor lighting covers have screws or nuts with ribbing to unscrew by hand. Use pliers if the threads are struck. Take the globe off by removing the holding screws at the top of the post, or by unscrewing the upper holding screws from the cover of a hanging pagoda-type lamp. Unscrew the socket housing from the top of the pagoda cover, or from the upper post.
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Step 3
Pull the socket out of the lighting assembly to draw the wires up through the lamp post or out through the raceway against the wall. Sever the wires with wire cutters below the electrical tape or wire nuts. Cut the wires off two inches below the socket if there is no connection covered with tape or wire nuts.
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Step 4
Connect the wires extending from the new socket to the outdoor lamp wires. Splice 1/2 inch of insulation off the ends of every wire with the blades of wire cutters. Twist the two black wires together with clockwise turns and cover the connection with a wire nut. Wrap electrical tape around the connection for added protection against the elements. Connect the white wires in the same fashion.
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Step 5
Reassemble the lighting fixture. Stuff the wires into the raceway or lamp post and set the new socket into the lamp. Tighten the socket-mounting screw. Replace the light bulb and secure the globe with its holding screws. Restore power and test the lights.
