Regardless of style, the major concern when selecting a replacement feature is to ensure that the box, ceiling and wiring will support the weight of the fixture. For a new fixture that weighs approximately the same as the old one, the existing electrical box will probably suffice. However, if the replacement is heavier, the ceiling box may need to be replaced to support the extra weight.
The first step to replace the fixture is always to disconnect the power supply. Then support the fixture an dunscrew the mounting screws form the electrical box. Out with the Old Replacing a light fixture doesn't require an electrician. Following a few simple safety guidelines, a DIY homeowner can easily replace a fixture successfully, although the work should be inspected by a professional. Also, check with local authorities to see if a permit is required. Before making your first move, turn off the power at the breaker box. Do this by flipping a circuit breaker or unscrewing a fuse. Use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off. When removing the old fixture, use a work platform fastened to a ladder to support the weight of the fixture while you remove the mounting screws from the electrical box. With the screws out, pull off the box cover and disconnect the wiring. The wires should be twisted together and capped with a wire nut. To disconnect, just unscrew the wire nut and untwist the wire pairs. Assemble the various components of the new fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Assemble the Fixture Organize the fixture's components, including the canopy, the hanging hardware, etc. Because ceiling fixtures vary greatly in style and construction, so do the associated components and the assembly process. However, any quality lighting manufacturer will include assembly instructions specific to the fixture model, and usually the job requires nothing more than a screwdriver. The cord of the light fixture follows the chain, looping through it periodically to keep the cord and chain bundled. Remember to thread the box cover, the new mounting strap (which screws into the junction box) and any other necessary parts over the wire and chain before installing. Next, use your ladder/work platform combo to support the weight of the fixture. Ultimately, the height of your hanging fixture is up to you. However, hanging fixtures are often positioned above focal points, such as a dining room table. In that situation, a good rule of thumb is to install the fixture about 30 inches above the table. To do so, it helps to have an assistant hold the fixture in place on the ceiling while you measure the distance and adjust the chain accordingly. To shorten a chain, just cut it to length with metal snips, and then cut the wiring 6 inches longer than the chain. Connect the wiring by matching the color-coded wires of the supply line and fixture, twisting them together, and then capping each connection with a wire nut. Wiring Basics In modern wiring, individual wires are bundled together in a sheathed cable. "Two-wire with ground" cables have a black wire, a white wire and an uninsulated ground wire. "Three-wire with ground" cables (used with three-way and four-way switches) have a black wire, a white wire, a red wire and an uninsulated ground. Many light fixtures don't have black and white wires, in which case, look for a rib on the wire sheathing to determine the neutral wire. Older homes have "knob and tube" wiring. Instead of cables, "knob and tube" wiring is a two-wire system in which individual wires are insulated with white or black treated fabric. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
