How to Hardwire Light Fixtures Without Getting in the Walls

Turn off the breaker that supplies power to the fixture in your home's service panel before beginning the repair.

Remove the globe from the light fixture if necessary. The globe is secured by thumb screws around the base of the globe, or a screw at the bottom of the center of the globe. The screw at the bottom of the center of the globe is likely disguised as a decorative ball. Place one hand on the globe while loosening the screws to ensure that the globe does not fall.

Remove the light bulb or bulbs from the light fixture.

Remove the screws from the base of the light fixture, and then move the light fixture away from the wall or ceiling.

Remove the wire nuts from the wires, and then remove the old fixture.

Connect the black wire from the new fixture to the black wire from the junction box using a wire nut. To connect, insert the bare ends of both wires into the nut, and then twist the nut clockwise until they are securely connected.

Connect the white wire from the new fixture to the white wire from the junction box using a wire nut. Again, insert the bare ends of both wires into the nut, and then twist the nut clockwise until they are securely connected.

Ground the light by connecting the green or bare ground wire from the new fixture to the green or bare ground wire from the junction box using a wire nut. Again, insert the bare ends of both wires into the nut, and then twist the nut clockwise until they are securely connected.

Tuck the wires into the junction box, and then place the new light fixture against the junction box, aligning the screw holes in the fixture with the holes on the support base on the junction box.

Insert the screws included with the fixture to secure it to the junction box.

Install the light bulbs, and then follow the instructions included with the light fixture to secure the globe in place.

Restore power to the light to complete the installation.