Replace a Ceiling Light Fixture

A new fixture is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost upgrades — and it's safer than it looks once the breaker is off.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 45–90 min Cost: $30–$200
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Cut power at the breaker — not just the switchA switched-off fixture can still have a live wire in the box. Confirm with a voltage tester at the wires, not the switch.

Tools

Materials

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Steps

  1. 1

    Power down and verify

    Flip the breaker for that room off. Climb up and use a non-contact tester on the wires once the old fixture is partly out. No beep = safe.

  2. 2

    Remove the old fixture

    Most fixtures hang from a "crossbar" or "strap" screwed to the metal box in the ceiling. Unscrew the canopy, lower the fixture, untwist the wire nuts.

  3. 3

    Mount the new bracket

    Almost every new fixture ships with its own strap. Swap to the new one and screw it into the ceiling box.

  4. 4

    Connect the wires

    Black-to-black (hot), white-to-white (neutral), green or bare copper to the ground screw. Twist each pair clockwise into a wire nut until snug, then wrap with electrical tape.

  5. 5

    Mount the canopy and bulb

    Tuck wires up, raise the canopy, secure with screws. Install bulb. Turn the breaker on, then the switch. Done.

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