Remove Light Bulb Cover and Bulbs

What happens in this clip

With the power off, carefully remove the light bulb cover (also known as a globe or diffuser) from the old ceiling fixture. Most covers are held in place by screws or clips that can be unscrewed or unlatched. Once the cover is off, unscrew and remove all light bulbs from the fixture's sockets. Place these items in a safe location where they won't be damaged.

Goal: Disassemble the visible parts of the old fixture to access wiring.

What's used

Tools

• Light bulb cover
• Light bulbs

About the full video

This project provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely replace an existing ceiling light fixture with a new one. It covers crucial safety precautions like turning off power and testing wires, disconnecting the old fixture, connecting the new wiring, and finally mounting the new fixture and restoring power.

Step 2 of 7: Remove the light fixture cover

Observe how the current light cover is attached. Most covers are secured by screws, a twist-lock mechanism, or retaining clips. Unscrew any visible screws, or gently twist the cover counter-clockwise if it's a twist-lock type. If there are clips, press them to release the cover. Support the cover with one hand as you detach it to prevent it from falling.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove a Ceiling Light Cover to Change the Bulbs

1. Step 1: Turn off power to the light fixture

   • 0:50–1:05 Turn Off Power at Circuit Breaker
   • 0:47–0:52 Turn Off Power at Circuit Breaker
   • 0:03–0:05 Shut Off Power to the Circuit

2. Step 2: Remove the light fixture cover

   • 1:50–2:38 Remove Old Light Fixture Glass Cover and Bulbs
   • 1:03–1:50 Remove Light Fixture Cover
   • 0:17–0:23 Remove Light Bulb Cover and Bulbs (this video)

3. Step 3: Remove old light bulbs

   • 0:34–0:50 Unscrew Old Bulb
   • 1:50–2:05 Remove Light Bulbs
   • 0:38–1:04 Remove the Old Bulb

4. Step 4: Install new light bulbs

   • 1:15–1:30 Install New Light Bulb
   • 1:04–1:12 Install the New Bulb
   • 0:26–0:31 Install the New Light Bulb

5. Step 5: Reattach the light fixture cover

   • 6:11–6:23 Replace the Fixture Cover
   • 0:57–1:08 Reinstall Dome Light Cover
   • 0:55–1:09 Install the Light Cover

6. Step 6: Restore power to the light fixture

   • 10:35–10:39 Restore Power and Test the New Fixtures
   • 2:59–3:02 Restore Power
   • 2:11–2:21 Restore Power and Test

7. Step 7: Test the light fixture

   • 9:22–9:55 Restore Power and Test
   • 8:04–8:19 Restore Power and Test
   • 2:47–2:52 Test New Light Fixture