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    How To Change A Light Fixture for Beginners

    Published: Jun 29, 2020 · Modified: Mar 7, 2021 by Aly @ Iekel Road Home · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost ·

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    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!

    light fixture over a dining room table

    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    Removing your old outdated light fixture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

    old light fixture ready to be replaced

    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

    texting light fixture for power 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

    removing electrical marret

    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

    removing mounting bracket for old light fixture

    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

    electrical box with labeld wires

    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

    installing light fixture 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

    tightening ground screw onto ground wire

    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

    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.

    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

    updated light fixture

    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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    Comments

    1. Tallia

      July 02, 2020 at 11:16 am

      This is super helpful! I didn’t know any of this so I will be using this the next time we change out a light. Thank you!

      • Aly @ Iekel Road Home

        July 02, 2020 at 3:55 pm

        Great! Thank you, Tallia!

    2. Maria

      July 02, 2020 at 11:44 am

      This is perfect! I have a light fixture I've been wanting to put up. Thanks for sharing!

      • Aly @ Iekel Road Home

        July 02, 2020 at 3:56 pm

        Wonderful, Maria, happy to have helped! Would love to see it up!

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    Hi! We are Greg and Aly, DIY enthusiast, licensed plumber and graphic designer, updating our home one project at a time. Follow along for budget friendly DIY home decor ideas. 

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