Typical Light Fixture

• Always make sure the power is SHUT OFF by turning off the breaker in the circuit breaker box or by removing a fuse in a fusebox. Note: fuseboxes are not as common as circuit breaker boxes.
• Test the light in question and make sure it does not turn on and light up.

Supplies for Electrical Home Improvement - Typical Light Fixture

Home Improvement Instructions for Replacing a Typical Light

1. First off, I am assuming that you really do have an existing light similar to the one above or you want to replace another style with a new style of light fixture.


2. If this is the case, then begin by removing the light bulbs from the old fixture. Just unscrew the bulbs, after they have cooled down.


3. Next locate the two small nuts (probably brass or antique brass in color) which is holding the light to the ceiling. Unscrew both.


4. Your light should now be free and will pull away from ceiling about 6" or so.


5. Check to make sure electricity is off.


6. There should be one black wire and one white wire connected to light fixture.


7. The connections are made typically with a scotchlock.

Typical Scotchlocks some may be yellow.


8. Unscrew each scotchlock and unhook each wire from the source wire coming out of the box.


9. You should also see another wire, either brass or possibly green, which is the ground wire.


10. Disconnect this wire as well.


11. Notice that under the light was a bracket that looked like one of these two.




This bracket will use screws to attach the light.




This bracket will use a "Nipple" to attach light.



If your light uses the nipple type of bracket and it is currently not on your box, then you will have to attach the correct one to the ceiling box. It was included with your new light fixture hardware.


12. Examine which type of bracket you need to use and install it to the box.


13. You are now ready to install the new light.
14. Examine the new light. Acquaint yourself with all parts of the new light.


15. Find the base of the light and take it to the ceiling. Set it on a ladder if possible so that it is easier to hook up the wires from the ceiling box.


16. Attach the black wires together. Use a yellow colored scotchlock. It will twist them together properly.


17. Attach the white wires together in the same manner using another yellow scotchlock.


18. Make sure each wire is firmly twisted together by gently tugging on each while holding the scotchlock.


19. Gently push the light back towards the ceiling being careful not to break a wire by bending it.


20. Continue to anchor the light in one of the two methods described.


21. Be careful to not scratch the ceiling.


22. Attach any required globes to the light. Do not tighten the globe screws too tightly or you will crack the globe.


23. Screw in the bulbs.


24. Turn the power back on and flip the switch.

You have just replaced a typical light.