How To Change A Light Fixture On The Wall

You can sometimes turn decorative screws by hand or with pliers.

How to change a light fixture on the wall.

Follow these steps to replace a light fixture with a ceiling fan in your home. Wall light was successfully moved without extra damage downstairs in a two storey house. Paint and paper are retouched if necessary. The instructions for the new fixture should be used for installation.

The base is removed from the wall. Refer to your light fixture instructions and your individual situation. If there s a copper wire pre installed in your ceiling connect the new wire there. Secure the new fixture and adjust length if there s a chain.

Place the wall switches for the fixtures in the off position. Twist the ground wire coming from your light fixture to the ground wire coming from the wall using a clockwise motion. Make sure they are firmly connected. If necessary the ground wire is disconnected from the base.

If the circuits in your panel aren t labeled turn on the existing light and turn off the power to each circuit until the light goes out. Even if you live in an apartment you can switch light fixtures out fairly easily. Loosen the mounting screws or knob that holds the base of the light fixture to the electrical box then gently pull the fixture away from the box. Screwdrivers pliers level drill and potenitall.

Use a non contact circuit tester to check the wires for power. When the screws are. If they have slots use a screwdriver. Leave the power off and label this circuit breaker for future reference.

The wires from the electrical box behind the fixture base are disconnected from the light fixture wires. Remove any shade or globe on the sconce then remove the light bulb. There s more than one kind of fixture and depending on where the fixture is located ceiling or wall you could face different challenges. Unscrew the mounting screws holding the fixture to the electrical box.

Remove the old light fixture. If you just have a small green screw on your mounting plate wrap the new copper wire around that. Twist your wire cap on to secure the two wires. The process for installing a ceiling fan is similar to wiring a light fixture with a few modifications to accommodate for the extra weight and wiggle of the fan.

Sometimes you can luck out and find some nice light fixtures on craig s list or ebay for less. Use a circuit tester to verify the power is off.