How to Disconnect the Wiring From the Socket of a Ceiling Light

Part of your remodeling project for a room in your home may involve replacing a light fixture on the ceiling. A new light fixture is the easiest and least expensive way to rejuvenate a room's decor. You must first disconnect the wiring from the current light fixture before you can install the new one. You can safely and properly disconnect wiring from a ceiling light fixture by using a procedure that requires a minimum amount of time and effort.

Stepladder
Phillips screwdriver
Standard screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the circuit breaker associated with the light fixture being disconnected.
- 2
  Set a stepladder under the fixture and ensure that the crossbars on the ladder are fully extended to make the ladder completely stable.
- 3
  Remove the fixture's shade or globe, if one exists. Some are held on with thumbscrews that you can remove by hand, and others you can snap or slide off the fixture.
- 4
  Unscrew the lightbulb and place it out of the way where it won't get broken.
- 5
  Locate the screws on the base of the fixture that secure it to the ceiling. Use the proper type of screwdriver to remove the screws by turning them counterclockwise. Lower the light fixture to expose the wiring connections once all the screws have been removed.
- 6
  Untwist the wire nuts that connect the wires from the ceiling to the fixture's wiring. Sometimes electrical tape is used and must be unwrapped from the wires. Untwist the pairs of wires and remove the fixture.

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