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While any projects have to do with electrical energy are not to be taken lightly , instal a idle fixture is a task many DIYers , with deliberate preparation and tending to detail , can manage . switch out a dated mending for one that better beseem a home ’s style can do a mickle to freshen up a space . And while shoppers will find many fixtures that are quite affordable , the disbursement of hire an electrician could put a muffler on dreams of updated inflammation . Take heart : pick up how to install a weak fixture is n’t too laborious , and many DIYers credibly already have many of the necessary dick , although you may have to beak up an cheap voltage sensor .
Before You Begin
interpret some of the fundamentals of electricity and wiring before attempting to install a light fixture will go a foresighted way to see the dependable and successful completion of the project .
It ’s important to understand , for model , that all electrical power is fed through a meter to a breaker venire , which contains several breakers attach to specific parts of a home . Shutting off a undivided circuit breaker shuts off power to that geographical zone , whereas shutting off the mainbreaker boxcloses off power to the entire abode .
Also know that simply turning off a light switching does n’t mean the conducting wire in the light switching box are n’t “ hot . ” Speaking of conducting wire , DIYers should know that black or red is the current , white is indifferent , and green or copper color is the ground wire .
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Project Overview
Working Time : 1 hourTotal Time : 1 hourSkill Level : Beginner to IntermediateEstimated Cost : $ 50 , plus the cost of the selected fixture
Tools & Materials
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How to Install a Light Fixture
These instructions assume that you ’re replacing an existing fixedness and that the joint box with the necessary wiring is already in place . If you are a DIYer and your project is more involved than that , it is a good idea to hire a professional linesman .
STEP 1: Shut off power at the breaker.
It ’s always a good idea to shut world power off at the breaker before undertaking any electric employment . If you ’re lucky , the ledgeman on yourelectrical panelwill be labeled . If not , it ’s a bite of a guessing biz , close off breaker and then using the voltage sensor to make trusted the area you ’re break to be working in is n’t “ hot . ” ( The emf sensing element will toot and light up when a flow is present . )
STEP 2: Connect junction box wires to the light fixture’s wires or screws.
A standard boxful for a light fixture has three wires : white , disastrous or red , and fleeceable or copper color .
Some light fixtures may come with a plate that will be plug into to the two screw holes on either side of the box . If you may , connect the plateful before connecting the wires . ( This is particularly helpful if you have a heavy fixture that will need to be bear while you are connecting the wires . )
There are a yoke of different ways that you may tie telegram in the wall or ceiling to the wire in your novel fastness : In some cases , you ’ll wrap wires around piece of ass to make a connection . In other configurations , you ’ll wrap wires from the fixedness to wires of the corresponding coloring in the ceiling , and clench the connexion with conducting wire nuts .
Photo: istockphoto.com
In both cases , you ’ll first practice thewire stripperto murder ¾ inch of wire sheathing . To attach the wire to screw connections , bend the wire into a U - shape , roll it around the screw , then crimp it closed and fasten the screw . You ’ll connect the white conducting wire to the silver medal screw , the black wire to the amber screw , and the terra firma wire to the green screw .
To bind wires to wires , twisting like - one-sided wires together and then crest the connexion with a wire testicle .
STEP 3: Attach the light fixture to the junction box.
Consult the directions that come with your wanton fixture to settle how it should be attached to the conjunction box seat . Some light fixtures may have two screw that are drive into the box ; others have just one shtup that confiscate to the climb on plate . Once the fixture is in place , screw in a light lightbulb of the appropriate size and wattage , turn the ledgeman back on , and rent there be lightheaded .
Final Thoughts
Though novice do - it - yourselfers might be intimidate about the electric facet of install a light fixture , the chore is passably aboveboard . The most important step is to verify that power to the junction box has been trim at the breakers , and be sure to substantiate that it ’s off using avoltage tester . Given that you ’re work overhead ( and on a ravel , perhaps ) and you may not have a cleared view of what you ’re doing , it ’s also a good estimation to have a assistant on understudy to stabilize the run , hold nuts and tools , and ensure the chore go off without a halt .
FAQs
While installing a unclouded fixture is n’t terribly complicated , it ’s definitely something you want to get 100 percent right . If you still have enquiry about this DIY - friendly light installation , you ’ll find oneself some answer below .
Q. Do you need an electrician to install a light fixture ?
If you ’re convinced in your DIY skills , you should be capable to install a light fixity yourself as describe above , and you could save the trouble and expense of engage an electrician .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q. Is it operose to install a light fixture ?
It is not hard to install a light habitue . Just be sure to read the above gradation carefully , put together your instrument and supplies in advance , and do n’t swerve any box . Some very laborious fix might be easier to install with a second pair of hands to help lift the visible light .
Q. Do I require to flip the breaker to change a light reparation ?
Photo: Kit Stansley
Technically , no . But most electricians would recommend shut out off the breaker , just to be dependable . If you just grow the ignitor flip-flop off , and a kid walks in the way and flick the switching on , you could be in trouble .
Q. Which wire is hot when both are the same color ?
If your conjunction loge has two mordant wires , one of the disastrous telegram might have been intend to go off to a 2d habitue that was n’t install . You might have to turn the office back ( after capping off your wires for safety equipment ) and use a voltage detector to find out which is raging .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Q. What happens if you mix up red-hot and impersonal conducting wire ?
Called inverse polarity , mixing up the red-hot and neutral wire can result in a short circumference , which in twist can break the regular , cushion someone who touches the fixture , or cause a fire .
Q. Can reverse sign cause a fire ?
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Yes . Reverse polarity can cause a flame .
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