How To Connect Ceiling Light Fixture

How to Connect a Ceiling Light Fixture

Installing a new ceiling light fixture is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the fixture is installed safely and correctly.

Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

New ceiling light fixture
Screwdriver
Wire cutter
Electrical tape
Safety glasses
Gloves

Safety Precautions

Before starting any electrical work, it is important to take safety precautions:

Turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker.
Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Use a stepladder to reach the fixture.

Instructions

Once you have gathered your materials and taken safety precautions, you can begin installing the new ceiling light fixture:

Remove the old light fixture. Turn the power off at the circuit breaker and remove the old light fixture by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Prepare the wires. Cut the wires from the old light fixture, leaving about 6 inches of wire exposed. Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the wires.
Connect the wires. Connect the black wire from the new light fixture to the black wire from the ceiling. Connect the white wire from the new light fixture to the white wire from the ceiling. Twist the ends of the wires together and secure them with electrical tape.
Connect the ground wire. If the new light fixture has a ground wire, connect it to the green or copper wire from the ceiling. Twist the ends of the wires together and secure them with electrical tape.
Mount the new light fixture. Raise the new light fixture to the ceiling and align it with the screws. Screw the light fixture into place.
Turn on the power. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test the new light fixture.