Installing new
lighting fixtures can be a relatively inexpensive way to
revamp an entire room (or house) without spending too much
time on the effort. There are many different styles of light
fixtures, but essentially, they are all installed in the
same manner. Before installing a new fixture, however,
examine the wires and the area around the outlet box before
proceeding to make sure there isn't any heat damage and
wiring is safe to proceed.
Here's how to do it step-by-step :
 Remove the
fixture. First turn off the power and then proceed to remove
the current light fixture - take off the globe or diffuser
and the bulb(s). There will either be screws or a cap nut
holding the canopy in place - remove these as well and drop
the fixture down. Disconnect the black and white wires and
check their insulation for cracks.
 Installation. Now
you're ready to install the new light fixture. A typical
hanging fixture usually attaches with a couple of studs
screwed to the box. Connect the black and white wires and
the ground wire, place them into the box, and push the
canopy into the right spot, letting the studs poke through.
You may have some trouble fitting all the wires in - just
keep rearranging until everything fits snugly. Now twist the
cap nuts onto the studs to secure the canopy.
 Mounting.
Sometimes the canopy's holes may not match the ones in the
box so you'll have to create a mounting system that works.
Fixtures with side mounting bolts can be adapted by
fastening a strap to the box, which sometimes even comes
with more than one screw-in hole from which to choose.
Fixtures that have a center mount can be adapted by screwing
a nipple into the center hole of a strap and securing it
with a locknut. If your box has a center stud, attach a
hickey.
As you can see, installing new light fixtures is fairly
straightforward. Anyone can do it - it's a great weekend
project that can literally transform your house into the
home of your dreams overnight, and you won't even break a
sweat. |
