Replace a Ceiling Light Fixture
Take a boring builder-grade fixture and swap for something you actually like. 45 minutes, one trip to the store.
Kill the breaker
Turn off the correct circuit breaker. Flip the wall switch to make sure the light goes out. Use a voltage tester at the fixture to confirm.
Remove the old fixture
Unscrew the canopy from the ceiling bracket. Let the fixture hang by the wires while you disconnect them — black to black, white to white, ground to ground.
Install the new mounting bracket
Most new fixtures come with their own bracket. Screw it to the existing ceiling box.
Connect wires
Use wire nuts to join the new fixture's wires to the house wires, matching colors. Tuck wires neatly into the box so the canopy sits flush.
Mount canopy and install bulbs
Lift the canopy to the ceiling and screw it in place. Install the bulbs, restore power, and test.
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