How to Replace an Incandescent Fluorescent Fixture
A simple way to improve the appearance of a room is to change the existing light fixtures. Replacing outdated fixtures can help provide additional usable light and change a room's overall feel or style. Almost all ceiling-mounted fixtures -- whether incandescent or fluorescent -- are installed the same way and are not complicated to replace. You can buy incandescent or fluorescent fixtures at almost any hardware store or retail outlet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Make sure there is no electricity flowing into the fixture you're replacing. Either turn off the flip switch on your electric fuse box that controls power to the fixture or remove the appropriate fuse from the box. Double check the electricity is off by turning the existing light fixture on and verifying that it no longer lights.
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Remove any existing canopies, globes, or covers on the old fixture, along with the light bulbs. Remove the screws or nuts securing the fixture to the ceiling while supporting the fixture so it does not fall. Once the fixture is free from the ceiling, locate and disconnect the black wire, white wire, and bare ground wire connected to the fixture. These are typically connected with wire nuts that you will need to twist counterclockwise to remove. For older fixtures, you may need to actually cut the wires in order to disconnect them. Cut them as close to the old fixture as possible to ensure you have enough wire to connect the new fixture.
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Connect the black wire in the ceiling to the black wire on new light fixture. Connect the white wire in the ceiling to the white wire on new light fixture. You may need to strip the insulation off any of the wires that do not have a minimum ½ inch of bare wire. Make the connections by twisting the bare ends of the wires together and twisting on a wire nut. Connect the ground wire of the fixture to the grounding screw on the ceiling box.
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Gently push the wires up into the ceiling box and secure the base of the light fixture to the ceiling, following manufacturer's instructions. Typically this will involve securing the fixture to the ceiling box with two screws. Screw in the correct wattage bulbs and securely fasten any covers or globes over the bulbs, following the manufacturer's instructions. Restore power to the circuit and verify the new fixture is working.
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Tips & Warnings
If your new fixture is heavy, be sure to mount it to ceiling joists that can hold up the weight.
Never work on electrical systems without verifying the power is off and can not be accidently turned on while work is being done.
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