Safety first: work only with the breaker off and the wires tested dead with a non-contact voltage tester. If you're unsure which breaker it is, or anything looks damaged, stop and call.
Tools & materials
- New fixture
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Wire connectors
- Sturdy ladder
Step by step
- Step 1
Turn off the breaker (not just the wall switch) and confirm with a voltage tester that the wires are dead.
- Step 2
Remove the old globe, bulbs and canopy, then support the fixture while you unscrew the wire connectors.
- Step 3
Check the electrical box is firmly attached. Fixtures over 50 lb need a box rated for that weight.
- Step 4
Attach the new mounting bracket to the box, then connect wires: black to black, white to white, ground to the green screw or bare wire.
- Step 5
Tug each connector gently to confirm it's tight, tuck the wires in and mount the canopy.
- Step 6
Install the bulbs (within the fixture's wattage rating), turn the breaker on and test.
When to stop and call ProFix
If you see any of these, stop and call us:
- The box is loose, plastic for a heavy fixture, or missing
- You find aluminum wiring or brittle, cracked insulation
- It's a ceiling fan (needs a fan-rated box)
- There are extra wires you can't identify
Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.
Related guides
These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides