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.