How to Remove a Wall-Mounted Light

Before you can install new lighting, you must remove the old fixture. Here's how to remove a wall-mounted light.

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
  
• Ladder or step ladder (optional)

1. Step 1

   Turn off power to the electric box from the circuit breaker.
   
   

2. Step 2

   Remove the shade and the bulb from the existing light fixture.
   
   

3. Step 3

   Remove screws and other hardware holding the fixture in place.
   
   

4. Step 4

   Pull the light fixture away from the wall.
   
   

5. Step 5

   Disconnect the fixture's wiring from the circuit wiring.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• After you remove a fixture you're replacing, follow the installation instructions included with the new fixture.
• If you remove a fixture you're not replacing, secure the wiring and close over the circuit box.
• Make sure the power to the electrical box is off before removing or installing a light fixture.
• If you are unfamiliar with electrical installations or if the wiring in the box appears brittle or frayed, call an electrician to install the wiring.

How to Change a Bulb In a Flush-Mounted Light Fixture

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lower-wattage bulb
• Flathead screwdriver or razor knife
• Stepladder

Spring-Loaded Light Fixture

1. Step 1

   Flush-mounted light fixtures that are spring-loaded will typically have two springs holding the metal collar in place.

2. Step 2

   Using the flathead screwdriver or razor knife, loosen the paint by moving around the metal collar where it attaches to the ceiling.

3. Step 3

   Attempt to pry the light fixture from the springs by pulling down with your hands.

4. Step 4

   If you cannot remove fixture with your hands, use the flathead screwdriver or razor knife to pry it off by sliding it under the mouth of the metal collar and prying down.

5. Step 5

   The light fixture will hold itself in place as you change the bulb. Simply remove the existing bulb and replace it with the new one.

6. Step 6

   Replace the fixture by popping it back into place.

Screw-Off Light Fixture

7. Step 1

   Screw-off flush-mounted light fixtures either have glass globes that unscrew from the metal collar or a metal base that unscrews from the globe.

8. Step 2

   For fixtures that unscrew from the metal collar, begin unscrewing the globe counterclockwise with your hands. Some fixtures will only unscrew one-fourth of a turn, while others need to be turned multiple times to remove.

9. Step 3

   For fixtures that unscrew from a metal base, unscrew the base counterclockwise, using your hands.

10. Step 4

    Once the globe is off, remove the existing bulb and replace it with the new one.

11. Step 5

    Replace the globe by screwing it back on.

How To Install a Ceiling Flush Mount Lighting Fixture

Step 1 – Turn off the power to this circuit before beginning any work. Be sure to read, follow and understand all installation and assembly instructions included with your new lighting fixture. If you have already removed you old light fixture or you are installing a light for the first time at this location, then you may skip ahead to Step 9.

Step 2 – Remove the shade from your existing light fixture.

Step 3 – Remove the lamps (light bulbs) from your existing light fixture.

Step 4 – Remove the cap nuts or bolts from your existing light fixture.

Step 5 – After removing the cap nuts, pull the light down and expose the wires

Step 6 – Disconnect the hot (black) wire first. Place the wirenut back on the wire and tuck it up out of the way.

Step 7 – Disconnect the neutral (white) wire next. Place the wirenut back on the wires and tuck them up out of the way.

Step 8 – Finally, disconnect the ground (bare copper) wire.

Step 9 – Now, get the new light fixture and connect the ground wires first.

Step 10 – Next, connect the neutral wires.

Step 11 – Finally, connect the hot wires.

Step 12 – Now, install the light using the cap nuts or bolts included.

Step 13 – Install the nipple for the shade next.

Step 14 – Next, install the lamps. I recommend compact fluorescent or LED over regular incandescent lamps.

Step 15 – Now install the shade.

Step 16 – Finally, turn on the circuit and test the light.

Viola You are done