How to Replace a Fluorescent Light Fixture Above a Kitchen Sink

Turn off the branch circuit breaker on the service panel supplying power to the lighting branch circuit that you will be working on. Use the noncontact voltage tester to verify that you have turned off the right circuit breaker. There may be more than one circuit running through the lighting outlet box so you may have to turn off more than one circuit breaker before the lighting outlet box will be safe to work in.

Remove the fixtures baffles or light diffuser, or lamp cover. Remove the fluorescent bulbs and place them safely out of the way. Fluorescent bulbs are fragile and easily broken. Remove the ballast cover and disconnect the fixture wires from the branch circuit wires by unscrewing the wire nuts in a counterclockwise direction.

Remove a surface mounted fixture by removing the two #10-24 screws holding the fixture to the lighting outlet box and any screws attaching it to ceiling anchors. Remove a recessed fixture by removing the screws attaching it to the ceiling rafters or other framework. In some cases, recessed fixtures are simply setting in a T-bar frame so all you have to do is tip them up and lower them from the ceiling.

Install the new surface mounted fixture. Run a bead of silicone sealer around the lip of the lighting outlet box before pressing the fixture in place. Install the two #10-24 screws securing the fixture to the lighting outlet box and replace all the other screws anchoring the fixture to the ceiling. Reconnect the fixture wires to the branch circuit wires using the wire nut. Snap on the ballast cover, install the bulbs and replace the baffles or diffuser cover.

Install the new recessed lighting fixture by anchoring it to the rafters, the wooden framework or by setting it in place on the T-bars. Reconnect the fixture wires to the circuit wires. Install the ballast cover, bulbs and baffles or diffuser. Turn the circuit breaker or breakers back on.