How to Perform Lighting Upgrades

Old, broken, or outdated lighting can make a room look shabby and dated. The styles and trends of light fixtures changes frequently over time. Although old light fixtures may still function properly, homeowners may wish to make upgrades with new ceiling fixtures. Performing lighting upgrades is a simple task that most homeowners can do on their own. Replacing an existing light fixture with a new light fixture shouldn't take more than an hour to complete.

Screwdriver
Upgraded light fixture
Wire strippers
Wire nuts
Light bulbs

Instructions

- 1
  Find the breaker box in your home and turn off the power to the old light fixture. Unthread and remove the light bulb from existing light fixture.
- 2
  Unscrew the ceiling canopy of the fixture with a screwdriver. Lower the canopy of the outdated light fixture.
- 3
  Remove the wire nuts from the top of the wires by carefully unscrewing them with your hands. Untwist the wire ends and finish lowering the light from the ceiling.
- 4
  Unscrew the mounting bracket from the electrical box in the ceiling with a screwdriver. Replace the old mounting bracket with the mounting bracket for the upgraded light fixture. Screw the bracket in place so it is secure on the electrical box.
- 5
  Strip one-half inch of plastic sheathing from the ends of the wires in the new light fixture with wire strippers.
- 6
  Match the wiring in the new light fixture with the wiring in the electrical box. Twist together the bare metal ends of the white wires. Twist a wire nut over the end to the wires. Repeat with the black wires and the ground wires.
- 7
  Screw the canopy of the new light fixture in place on the mounting bracket with a screwdriver.
- 8
  Thread a new light bulb into place in the upgraded light fixture. Turn on the power to the light.

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