Step 1: Turn off the power. I always turn off the power to the entire home, just to be certain that it’s off in the area where I’m working. Test the light switch a few times to double-check too.
Step 2: Remove your junction box cover and pull out the wires. Or if you’re removing an old fixture, unscrew the mounting plate and take a picture of the wiring setup (you’ll want to recreate the same with your new fixture). You can then unscrew the wire nuts by hand and remove the old fixture.
In the junction box, you should find three wires. A black wire (hot), a white wire (neutral), and a green or copper wire (ground). You’ll see these same wires on the end of your new light fixture.
Step 3: Grab the mounting bracket that comes with your new light fixture. It should contain a copper wire that you’ll connect to the green wire on the new light fixture and the copper wire in the junction box. Twist all three wires together and secure with a wire nut. Wrap the base of the wire nut and the wires together with electrical tape.
Step 4: Secure the mounting bracket to the junction box using the screws that come with your new fixture.
Step 5: Connect the two white wires, secure with a nut, and wrap with electrical tape. Repeat with the two black wires. Tuck all of the wires into the junction box.
Step 6: Figure out the height for your new light fixture and wrap any additional cord into the mounting plate.
Step 7: Place the mounting plate over the bracket and secure with screws. You may need two people for this step. One to hold up the fixture and the other to screw it into the ceiling. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Step 8: Screw in a lightbulb, turn on the power, and flip the switch. Your light should go on!
I told you that wasn’t that difficult! This project should take 15-30 minutes to complete and it’s always nice to have a buddy to help. I’m always dropping screws and it’s great to have an extra set of arms to hold up your fixture. Or else it will be quite the arm workout!
Now, find a new light fixture that you love (we added the large Cabo pendant over our dining room table) and add it to your home. I promise, you’ll enjoy the soft glow of your new lighting.
