Installing Your Ceiling Light Fixture

Installing electrical fixtures can be dangerous and requires specific knowledge about electricity and its particular function with the project. That doesn't mean an electrician is required for every electrical job around the house, but each job should be performed with great caution. A good working knowledge of electricity is a must when installing any electrical fixture such as pendant lights, sconces, chandeliers, and track lighting. Most importantly, if there is any doubt or question when working with electricity, stop and hire an electrician. The following guide is a simple overview to installing light fixtures.

The tools to be used during the installation process include wire strippers, circuit tester, wire nuts, electrical tape, CFL (compact fluorescent lamp), and a screwdriver.

The following are the installation steps:

1. Turn the light switch off and shut off power at the circuit breaker box or fuse box.
2. Make the necessary holes on the wall where there is a power source for wall sconces, on the ceiling for chandeliers, pendant lights and track lighting, or remove the old fixtures if you are going to install new fixtures as a replacement for the old ones.
3. Install a bracket. If this old fixture is attached to a support bracket already, then you do not need to install it. If you don't already have a bracket in place you will need to install one, securing it to a firm wall or ceiling beam.
4. Locate the wires marked for lights, remove the wire nuts and check with the circuit tester to make sure the power is off. No light on the tester means the power is off.
5. Attach the ground wire to the support bracket. Next, attach the fixture to the support bracket, tucking the wires inside the fixture. Next step is to test the line using CFL; make sure the CFL is snapped into place in the fixture.

After everything is done properly, hide the wires, close the cover, and tighten the screws. Also upon completion, the fixtures should be checked for violation of electricity safety standards. If violations are found, corrections must be made before starting the exploitation. The final step is to install the light bulbs and restore the power at the breaker or fuse box.