Simple Installation Tips to Change Light Fixtures Yourself

RSS

Replacing a fixture is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects you can do if you take precautions. You don't need special tools, which will take about half an hour to complete. Hiring a professional is ideal if unsure or uncomfortable about the process, but if you want to do it yourself, here are the steps below:

How to Install Chandelier/Pendant

Pendants come in different styles and colors, including classic black chandeliers. The following is a simple installation:

Shut off the power to the light fixture by turning off its circuit breaker or fuse box. Then use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the fixture in place. If wires are connected to the attachment, disconnect them from their mounting points before pulling out the old unit.
After removing the old light fixture, unpack and lay your new one on a flat surface near where you'll be installing it. Then connect all the wires back up to their proper places. Ensure that each cable connects with its corresponding screw or mounting point on both sides of the new fixture.
After connecting the wires, follow the instructions that came with your new light fixture. If not, begin by screwing in four screws on each side of your pendant or farmhouse chandelier so that they're evenly spaced around its perimeter.
Tighten the screws enough to secure the fixture but not so tight that it's impossible to move.

How to Install a Wall Light

Your current home can feel new with the addition of some indoor lighting. Here are some tips for safely installing a wall light outdoors or indoors:

Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker box before starting work on your electrical system. You can use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure no voltage is present before the task begins.
Use wire cutters or pliers to cut excess cable from old fixtures. Then remove them by unscrewing them from their holding brackets or wire hangers. If you have an old unit with multiple bulbs, remove each globe separately, so you don't accidentally break one while removing it from its socket.
Once you have detached all the old fixtures from their holding brackets or wire hangers, attach mounting clips for new ones by screwing them into place. Use screws that come with each new fixture package.
Attach the wires from the new fixture to their corresponding screws on the holding brackets or cable hangers, then secure them with wire nuts.
Screw each new bulb and turn on your light switch to test that they work before attaching other fixtures or bulbs to their corresponding mounting clips.

How to Install an Outside Post Lamp

If you're installing a new outdoor post lamp, here are some installation tips:

Ensure you have all the necessary tools on hand. You'll need an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.
Turn off the power at the main breaker before working on the fixture. This is essential for your safety and preventing damage to your home wiring system.
Remove existing fixtures from your current posts by loosening their wires and unscrewing them from their bulbs. You may want to keep these old fixtures around for the future as they're often similar in size to new ones. For example: if you have an old-style porch light that doesn't occupy much space but provides enough light for walking up and down stairs.
Take out screws holding down brackets attached directly below each post where your new fixture will go up. Note: Ignore this step if you have an attachment with a chain or wire hanging down.
Drill holes into the posts where your new unit will be attached using a drill and bit. Make sure the bit is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws that come with your current light.
Insert screws into these holes and screw them in until they're firmly attached to the posts.
Fix your new porch light by attaching each wire from its bulb to one hanging down from above (if there are any).
Attach the fixture to the posts using provided screws.
Turn on your new light and ensure everything works properly. Always hire an expert if this process seems complicated or time-consuming.

What You Need to Know About Dry, Damp, Wet Ratings on Lights

Most of us are familiar with the "wattage" rating on a light bulb, thinking of "light output." But there are three different ratings that you should know: dry, damp, and wet.

Dry-rated bulbs

Dry-rated bulbs are perfect in areas with little moisture, such as indoors. The reason is that these globes tend to have a coating that prevents rusting or corroding when exposed to water. They also don't need frequent cleaning because they'll hold up better against dust and dirt than other bulbs.

Damp-rated bulbs

Damp-rated bulbs are ideal in areas where some moisture is present, like bathrooms or kitchens. They are resistant to rusting or corrosion from water exposure, but they're more likely than dry-rated bulbs to need cleaning from time to time.

Wet-rated fixtures

Wet-rated fixtures have been tested and approved for use in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The wet rating is an indicator of how well a light fixture can withstand exposure to water. It's important because if you have an older home with old cabling that isn't waterproofed, ensure that fixture installation includes light with the appropriate wet rating.

This rating is determined by how many exposure hours it takes for the lamp to fail when submerged in water. It can be anywhere from 10 minutes at 1 meter deep to 30 minutes at 5 meters deep.

Conclusion

After taking all these steps, you'll be ready to change your light fixture. Ensure you turn off the power to the room or area where you're working. Also, test the wires with a voltage tester before touching them and know how to use power tools. Be careful when working near electricity to avoid injury or damage to your property.

At Urban Ambiance we have many lighting categories including: outdoor, bathroom, chandeliers, pendants, ceiling, and wall scones. If you are ready to change your light fixtures, check out our collections, and please Contact Us for more information.

← Previous Post Next Post →