How To Change A Light Fixture for Beginners

It was time to learn how to change a light fixture. I've now learned how to change a light switch and a receptacle, I thought it was time to learn to change a light fixture also!

We updated our light fixture as part of our dining room update. It was so easy and made a world of a difference we wanted to share the process so you could confidently do it in your home as well.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CHANGE A Light Fixture

Proximity Tester

Screw Driver (compatible to your fixture)

Linesman Pliers

Removing your old outdated light fixture

Updating lighting makes a huge difference in a space, just take our dining room update for example. One simple light can change the whole feel of a room. So keep your eyes peeled for that perfect light. And when you find it, don't bother calling an electrician, because we have got you covered. You can do this!

Step 1: Remove Plate Cover on Existing Light Fixture

This will be different for all light fixtures, but if you don't see a screw you can usually just twist the plate cover off to expose the wires.

Step 2: Test with proximity tester

Once the wires are exposed get a proximity tester and make sure there is no power coming into the light. You can turn off the power to your box, or simple just flick the light switch to off.

As long as no one flicks the light switch on you are all set. To be extra cautious you can tape your light switch down to be sure of this.

Step 3: Remove marrets

Remove all the marrets by giving them a small twist. Keep this on hand as you will need them again for your new light fixture.

Step 4: Remove Mounting Bracket

Remove the mounting bracket using a corresponding screwdriver. This will release the light fixture so be sure someone is holding the fixture for this step.

Installing New Light Fixture

Now that the old light fixture is off this is what you will be left with. We have labelled the wires to better help you understand the future steps. There will be three-wire coming from the box; ground wire (copper), load wire (black) and the neutral wire (white). There will also be the same three wires coming from your new light fixture.

*In some cases the light fixure wires will have two black, but they will be labelled 'N' for nuetral and 'L' for load

Step 1: Instal New Mounting Bracket

The first step in installing your new light fixture is to attach the mounting bracket to the electrical box. This will hold the weight of your light, making it easier to proceed with future assembly.

Step 2: Attaching Ground Wire to Electrical Box

Locate the ground wire, this is the copper colour wire. Wrap the ground wire around the groud screw, located inside the electrical box. Wrap the wire around the screw and tighten with a screw driver.

Step 3: Join Appropriate Wires Together

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Now that your ground wire is wrapped around the ground screw you can proceed to connect the corresponding wires.

Twist the ground wire from the box with the ground wire from the light, then twist on a marret. Do the same for the load wire (black) and the neutral wire (white).

Step 4: Pack all wires into plate cover and fasten according to light fixture

*Before closing up the light do a quick test. Flick on your light switch to check that all connections have been made correctly.

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Now that you know everything is working correctly pack your light up. All wires should fit into the cover plate. Final step is the attach the plate, and you are done!

Enjoy your new light fixture

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You did it! You have now saved yourself hundred of dollars in electrical bills and you have yourself a snazy new light to enjoy! You rock!!

We would love to see what you've done! Tag us on Instagram @iekelroadhome or use the hashtag #iekelroadhome so we can see your fabulous work!

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