Replacing Ceiling Light Fixture Old House

The box above is ready for a standard light fixture installation.

Replacing ceiling light fixture old house.

Switch the circuit off. Those have an extra wire. Have a helper nearby in case you need a hand especially if you re replacing a fixture on a. In general you can go out and buy any light fixture and put it up in your home where any light fixture already exists.

Remove the light shade cover from the existing ceiling light fixture. The work itself is usually quite easy though anytime you are working with electricity there is some danger. Depending on the fixture style you may need to remove a finial from the center of the shade or loosen a series of thumbscrews. Here s how to do it without breaking the plaster and lath.

Replace it with a light fixture that has a light switch on it. Use a circuit tester or turn off the power to the whole house to ensure that all the wires in the box are dead. Generally you want to install a new ceiling fan where there already was one this article is specifically for replacing old light fixtures with new ones. A new light fixture can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room.

Before replacing a light fixture check your electrical circuit panel to locate the circuit breaker control for the room where you ll be working. Wire the new nm b cable to the old wiring inside of a junction box. Remove the old light fixture using a screwdriver. Don t forget you ll need a way to turn the light on and off.

Remove the light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture. If the light fixture you re replacing doesn t have a light switch on the wall to control it you ll need to either. Cut a section of the old wiring away from the fixture. Tighten the screws.

Push the old wiring out through the box and into the ceiling. Add a light switch to the fixture this is what we did. The exception being ceiling fans. Probe the existing hole with a keyhole saw to find the horizontal edges of the lath.

How to replace a ceiling light fixture. Unscrew the screws or nuts holding the fixture base to the ceiling box. Bring old light fixtures wired with knob and tube wiring up to code by installing an electrical box in the plaster wall. Replacing a ceiling light fixture is often done because a old fixture has worn out but it is also commonly done as part of a decor overhaul.

The finished replacement of an old style pancake ceiling electrical box ready for a standard light fixture. Remove the base or trim from the old fixture.