How to Install a Light Fixture

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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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.

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