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Do you want to replace your ceiling light fixtures? Do you feel bored with the outdated lights or want to upgrade your lighting scheme on a budget? Fret not; we will guide you accordingly.
Replacing your ceiling lights is simpler than you think and generally not very time-consuming. However, if the electrical boxes in walls and ceilings and the wiring are quite old, then the task can be a tad bit tricky for you. In any case, we have a simple guide to help you complete the task like a pro.
When replacing the ceiling light fixtures in your home, you must prepare for many things that can happen. Some issues you may encounter include:
- Insulation from old wires may crumble
- You have to reuse the mounting brackets of old ceiling fixtures
- You may have to mount screw which plaster walls may obstruct
However, there will be no such problem, hopefully, which you will not be able to solve with a couple of equipment and items needed. To begin with, load up on the following things:
- Electrical tape
- New light fixtures for your ceiling
- Heat shrinking tubes (just in case you need them)
- Wire nuts
- An electric drill and a 1/8” drill in case you need it.
Get Rid of the Current Ceiling Light Fixture
Begin by first switching bizarre power, which controls the light power. In case you fear other people might accidentally switch it back on, such as other family members in the house or children, it is advisable to switch the power off from the main electric panel.
This will minimize the risk of any short circuits or electric shocks occurring while you are at work on the led flush mount ceiling fixture.
After you have done this, look for the following under your old light fixture:
- Remove your existing light fixture shade. The process for doing this varies depending on the fixture type. Most types generally require unscrewing tiny screws that hold the shade in place.
If your fixtures are similar to this type, then unclip the screws around the shade, or if it is a glass shade, then unscrew the glass from the base.
- Once you have removed the fixture shade, you will next have to remove the base of the fixture from the ceiling. You can do this by locating the two tiny bolts that attach to the base and unscrew them.
If it is a threaded tube, then you will have a look for a knurled knob fastened to the tube and remove it. The threaded tube is usually at the center of the light fixture.
- Once you have safely removed the base, your next task is to disconnect the wiring. You will have to unscrew the wire nuts for this and remove the fixture base entirely.
- Next, you need to get rid of the old mounting bracket.
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Time to Tackle the New Fixture
Once you completely and safely remove your old ceiling light fixture, it is time to get your new one in place. Unpack the new ceiling light fixtures. Carefully extract the glass shade from the box and set it aside for the time being, in a safe place.
Extract the bag containing all the bolts and fittings for your new ceiling light and line them up neatly. Take hold of the fixture base and set to work with the new lights.
Start Prepping Up
Fixtures that come with two lamp light settings will require some additional preparation for the fixture process. Your choice of the fixture may not possess the neutral and hot leads for the table lamp sockets to wire together.
If this happens, you only have to take the leads attached to the black wires and twist them together. Repeat the same process for the white wires.
Work on the Mounting Bracket
Once you have prepped your fixture base, it is time to turn your attention to the mounting bracket for the new fixtures. Work out how you want to mount the bracket. You will generally find mounting brackets for new light fixtures in the plastic bag that contains the parts. Now follow these steps:
- Take the bracket first and align them with the correct boltholes. Each fixture bracket comes with bolt holes in it. You will have to examine the bracket carefully to see where you can insert the bolts.
- You may have to reuse the old bracket since most new ones do not align with the diameter, and ceiling junctions do not co-align. Reusing the old bracket only serves to make your work easier as the bracket is already in the correct position.
- You might need to use a 1/8″ drill next to the test to see if it fits neatly into the bolthole. You want to make sure here that the drill bit and mounting bolt hole will not ruin the screw threads.
- If the 1/8” drill seems too big, you can use a smaller sized one.
- Drill the ceiling that is beyond the bolthole of the mounting bracket.
Inspect the Insulation
You must examine the condition of your current wiring’s insulation. Most old wiring tends to become brittle.
Heat Shrink Tubes
If your current wiring appears to be in bad shape, consider using heat-shrinking tubes. This is a better solution for brittle and crumbled wiring insulation.
This tube is a special type of plastic, which shrinks when you apply heat to it.
Connect
Once you insulate and repair old wiring if in case it has problems, it is time for you to connect the wiring for your new fixtures. Follow these steps to do so:
- Ensure the green ground screw is firmly in place with the mounting brackets.
- Attach the copper-colored ground wire to the screw from the fixture. You will have to twist this wire in a clockwise order below the screw head.
- Connect the wires of the fixture with the power wires. You will need wire nuts to secure them clockwise.
Mount Your Base
Once your wiring is in place, you need to install your base to the ceiling. You can attach a base either with a threaded rod or by using two long bolts.
After this step, you only have to fix the light bulbs in place. Once you complete this part, carefully fix the shade next. Switch the power panel on, and your new lights are good to go.
