How to Replace Porcelain Lamp Holders

Turn off the circuit powering the light. Don't be content with simply switching off the light switch. Turn the power off at the circuit breaker panel. Unscrew and remove the light bulb if it's still in the holder.

Loosen the two screws at the lamp holder’s base. Pull the screws out and remove the holder from the ceiling or wall.

Disconnect the wires connected to the holder's wires. These are usually held together with wire nuts. Untwisting them separates the home wiring from the holder wiring.

Prepare the new holder's wiring by removing three-quarters inch of insulation from the ends of the black and white wires connected to it with a set of wire cutters or wire strippers.

Match the home's black and white wires to the holder's black and white wires. Slip a wire nut over each pair and twist until they're tightly connected. Wrap a short piece of electrical tape around the base of each wire nut for extra security.

Place the holder in position, and then insert the screws you removed earlier into the holder's base. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Restore the power and put a bulb in the holder.