How to Replace Ceiling Light Fixtures For Dummies

Moments in this video

1. 0:17–0:23 Remove Light Bulb Cover and Bulbs From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 3: Remove Old Fixture Cover

   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.

2. 0:17–0:23 Remove Light Bulb Cover and Bulbs From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 4: Remove Bulbs

   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.

3. 0:17–0:23 Remove Light Bulb Cover and Bulbs From How to Remove a Ceiling Light Cover to Change the Bulbs, Step 2: Remove the light fixture cover

   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.

4. 0:23–0:34 Unscrew Old Fixture from Ceiling From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 5: Expose Wiring

   The old fixture's base is typically secured to the ceiling electrical box by screws or decorative nuts. Carefully unscrew these fasteners to detach the fixture from the ceiling. As you do this, be prepared to support the weight of the fixture, as it will likely hang from the electrical wires. It is highly recommended to have a helper at this stage to hold the fixture while you disconnect the wiring.

5. 0:23–0:34 Unscrew Old Fixture from Ceiling From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 7: Remove Old Fixture

   The old fixture's base is typically secured to the ceiling electrical box by screws or decorative nuts. Carefully unscrew these fasteners to detach the fixture from the ceiling. As you do this, be prepared to support the weight of the fixture, as it will likely hang from the electrical wires. It is highly recommended to have a helper at this stage to hold the fixture while you disconnect the wiring.

6. 0:43–0:54 Disconnect Old Fixture Wires From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 6: Disconnect Wiring

   Once you've confirmed the wires are safe, begin disconnecting the old fixture's wiring. Typically, wires are connected using plastic wire nuts or occasionally electrical tape. Carefully twist and remove the wire nuts (or peel off the tape) from the black (hot) wire, the white (neutral) wire, and if present, the green or bare copper (ground) wire. Discard the old fixture once all wires are detached.

7. 0:54–1:04 Attach New Fixture Wires From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 9: Connect New Fixture Wiring

   Take the new light fixture and identify its corresponding wires (black for hot, white for neutral, green/bare for ground). Twist together the black wire from the new fixture with the black (hot) wire from the electrical box, and secure them with a new wire nut. Repeat this process for the white (neutral) wires and the green/bare (ground) wires. Ensure each wire nut is tightly twisted and provides a secure connection.

8. 1:04–1:17 Mount New Fixture Base From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 10: Mount New Fixture

   Once the wires are securely connected, gently push them back into the electrical box. Then, raise the new fixture's base plate and align it with the mounting strap that is attached to the electrical box. Screw the new bolts (usually provided with the fixture) through the fixture's base plate and into the mounting strap until the fixture is firmly secured against the ceiling. Ensure it is flush and stable.

9. 1:17–1:23 Install New Bulbs and Restore Power From Light Fixture Replacement, Step 11: Install New Fixture Cover and Bulbs

   With the new fixture securely mounted, screw in the new light bulbs into the sockets. Depending on your fixture, you may also need to attach the light bulb cover. Once the fixture is fully assembled, return to your electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker back to the 'ON' position to restore power. Test your new light fixture to ensure it works correctly.

Guides that use this video

• Light Fixture Replacement
• How to Remove a Ceiling Light Cover to Change the Bulbs