How to Take Out a Ceiling Light Mount

Removing old ceiling light mounts may be part of installing a new fixture.

Ceiling lights usually have a mount installed with them. The mount attaches to the electrical box that sits recessed in the ceiling hole. The mount will either sit flush with the ceiling or hang down slightly. When a light breaks, or you wish to install a new light,you will need to remove the ceiling mount. You may also need to remove the old electrical box if you are installing a ceiling fan. Removal does not require any major electrician skills.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Crescent wrench
• Voltage tester

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the room by flipping the circuit breaker to the off position.

2. Set up a ladder underneath the light.

3. Remove the globe from the light if it has one by unscrewing the retention screws or unscrewing the globe from the mount.

4. Remove the nut from the middle of the mount using a crescent wrench. Make sure the nut and the washer on top of it do not fall to the floor. Hold the mount with your other hand as you unscrew the nut to prevent it from damaging wires as it falls.

5. Check that the wires do not have a current running through them by touching the probe of a current tester against the wires. If there is no warning light from the device, you can proceed. Unscrew the wire connectors and pull the wires apart to remove the mount from the ceiling.

6. Remove the screws that hold the mount brace in place and remove it from the ceiling.

References

• Hammerzone.com: Installing a Flush-Mount Ceiling Light Fixture; Bruce W. Maki; 2005