How to Replace House Light Fixture Panels

House light fixtures are permanently affixed to a wall or ceiling in your home. These fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, but one thing they all have in common is that the socket and wires are covered by a panel or base. Removing the panel is a common step when you need to troubleshoot issues related to light fixture malfunctions, and doing this will be required for most repairs. Knowing how to replace the fixture panel will allow you to make repairs yourself, as well as allow you to update the look of your home fixtures.

Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the circuit breaker in your home that provides power to the light fixture you will be working on.
- 2
  Remove any retention screws from the shade or bulb covering the fixture, if any are present, then remove the shade or bulb.
- 3
  Unscrew the light bulb from the fixture by turning it counterclockwise with your hand.
- 4
  Remove the retention screws securing the fixture panel to the electrical box or mounting strap. Gently pull the panel down from the box or strap.
- 5
  Loosen the screw terminals connecting the wires from the fixture to the interior of the panel, using a screwdriver.
- 6
  Pull the wires away from the panel and set the panel aside.
- 7
  Insert the fixture wires under the wire retention screws of the new panel, then tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
- 8
  Push the new panel into place, then tighten the panel using retention screws and a screwdriver.
- 9
  Insert a light bulb into the panel and tighten it by turning it clockwise.
- 10
  Place the light shade or bowl over the light bulb and tighten it into place using retention screws and a screwdriver.
- 11
  Restore power to the fixture.

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