How to Replace a Recessed Kitchen Fluorescent Light Box

Remove the Old Fluorescent Light Box

• 1

  Locate the main breaker box for the home and shut off the power to the kitchen.

• 2

  Walk back to the kitchen and place a step ladder under the fluorescent light box so you can easily access it. Climb up on the ladder and insert a slotted screwdriver along one side of the plastic cover. Slide one edge of the cover out of the light box and bend it slightly until you can pull it out from the ceiling.

• 3

  Grasp each fluorescent light tube at the ends and twist them counter clockwise as you pull down to detach them from the light box. Set the light tubes aside since they may fit the new fixture.

• 4

  Look up into the ceiling at the inside hood of the fixture. Locate the screws that hold it in place, which are located on the sides of the box since they screw into the ceiling joists. Remove each screw using a power drill.

• 5

  Pull the recessed light out of the ceiling gently to expose the wiring. Unscrew the plastic wire caps that connect the black wires, the white wires and the green wires. Some fixtures have copper wires instead of green wires. Untwist the ends of all of the wires until they are free. It helps to have another person support the light box while you detach the wiring.

• 6

  Set the old fluorescent light fixture aside.

Install the New Fluorescent Light Box

• 7

  Ask your assistant to hold the new fluorescent light box while you connect the wiring. Twist the black wires together and screw a plastic wire cap on the end of them. Repeat the process with the white wires and the green or copper wires.

• 8

  Push the box up into the ceiling until it is completely recessed. Ensure the screw holes are located over the ceiling joists and insert the screws using a power drill until they are firmly in place.

• 9

  Insert the fluorescent light tubes in place and then slide the plastic cover into the track at the bottom of the box, if applicable.

• 10

  Turn the power back on at the main breaker and then flip on the light switch to ensure the fluorescent light box works.