It is very important to replace worn or damaged light fixtures to keep your home in perfect condition. Worn out fittings can cause a short circuit and start a fire, so the ability to replace the fittings is a must for both professional and amateur electricians. Follow these simple steps to learn how to replace the light fixture yourself, to keep your home safe.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Worn Fittings
Step 1. Prepare the required equipment
To replace the light fixtures on the ceiling, you will need some simple tools commonly used by electricians, so that your work is smooth and safe. Prepare the following tools in advance:
- Cutter knife, to remove the fitting if it is also painted with the ceiling.
- Sharp pliers
- Screwdriver
- Voltage test kit (non-contact type)
- Cable stripper
- Lasdop
Step 2. Cut off the mains power by turning off the fuse
When you are working with an electrical connection, always turn off the fuse or MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) for the point you are working on. Find the place first, then turn it off. Check by turning on the light switch that you are about to unplug to make sure that the power has been cut off. Better yet, use a voltage test kit to make sure that the fitting is not electrified.
Step 3. Remove the glass cover
Decorative light fittings usually come with a lamp cover that you need to remove first. Open the lamp cover slowly and put it in a safe place. You may need a screwdriver to remove the locking screws, but most can be removed by hand. Some lampshades can also be removed by gently turning the cap or removing the locking latch. After that, remove the bulb as well so that the light fixture is easier to observe.
Step 4. Loosen the fitting and leave it hanging to check the connection
You must know in advance how the fitting is attached to the ceiling, before you remove it. Most light fixtures are installed in two ways. First, the simple way is to use a bolt or screw that penetrates the fitting until it is embedded into the holder on the ceiling. Second, with threaded bolts protruding from the ceiling to penetrate the fitting from behind, then tightened with decorative swivel nuts, which are usually in the form of a small nut in the middle of the lampholder.
Step 5. Remove the screw or nut retaining the lampholder
A fitting is usually held in place by two or three screws against the holder. Remove the plug so that the power cord connection can be seen. When the plug is removed, use your hands or pliers to unplug the power cord. Sometimes the power cord is not simply connected, but using a lasdop.
Lasdop is a conical plastic electrical cable connection that covers both ends of the cable. Lasdop is used to connect the black and white wires from the ceiling mount, respectively, to the wires from the lampholders. Additionally there may be a single ground wire from the fitting that is screwed with ground metal to the ceiling mount
Step 6. Separate the cables hanging from the ceiling and leave the stand
The shape of this holder is very varied, for example a wooden stand with cables sticking out, or a junction box, which is a plastic container in the shape of a circle, rectangle or octagon that functions as a cable holder as well as a fitting holder. Regardless of the shape, it is the place where the fitting is installed and connected before. The wires emerging from the fitting mounts are usually black and white.
Step 7. Take note of where each cable is connected and label it
Not all fittings have a simple connection, especially fittings in large houses. Some fittings are connected in parallel with other fittings, making the connection complicated and confusing. In general, the cable from the fitting will be connected to the same colored cable from the ceiling. Some countries have different wiring rules, especially electrical installations from the past. It is recommended to note where each cable is connected to, and label each cable so that they are not confused.
Step 8. Ensure that the cable emerging from the ceiling is exposed at least 1.25 cm in end
If not, gently peel with a cable stripper until the 1.25 cm end of the cable is exposed.
Some of the wires may have come loose, or you may need to use pliers to unscrew them. If the end of the cable is damaged or bent, you will need to cut and peel it again
Method 2 of 2: Installing New Fittings
Step 1. Prepare the new fitting by removing the glass cover and bulb
The cables from the new fitting should be ready and easy to connect. If possible, it would be best if you put a support on this new fitting, so it doesn't hang down while you work on the connection; an example is placing it at the top of the ladder you are using.
The length of the exposed end of the cable must meet the lasdop specifications specified by the manufacturer, which is between 1 and 1.25 cm
Step 2. Connect the new cable fittings
The cables from the ceiling must be reconnected with the exact same connection as in the old fitting. Connect the white, black and black wires and the ground wire (if any) with the metal in the junction box. Connect the neutral wire – usually white too – with the other neutral wires. Bring the two ends of the cable to be connected and then twist two or three times clockwise, or in the direction of the lasdop installation.
You can use a used lasdop from the previous connection or replace it with a new one from the new fitting package. To use a lasdops, bring the two ends of the cable to be connected and make sure they are facing the same direction. Insert them into the lasdop and then twist clockwise until they are locked in the lasdop
Step 3. Make sure there are no exposed wires protruding from the lasdop
If you still find it, you can open the lasso, cut the remaining wire and then put it back on, or you can simply seal it with electrical tape. Try pulling each cable to make sure that nothing is loose.
Step 4. Reinsert all cables into the junction box
If your fitting mount uses a junction box, you can insert the entire cable strand into it once you've finished connecting, while lifting the fitting to the ceiling. You certainly don't want the cable to be messy or stuck, right? Once most of the wires are in, you can start screwing the lampholders into their mounts. Before fitting the fittings securely, make sure that no cables are caught between them, then tighten the screws.
Step 5. Try the installation results
After the lampholder is securely attached to the holder, install the bulb with the appropriate power as recommended by the manufacturer of the fixture. Turn on the fuse switch, light switch and check the results of your work.
If the light doesn't come on, the most likely cause is a loose connection. Make sure that the cable connections do not become loose when you insert them into the junction box. Also, check that the correct bulb is used and that it only takes one switch to turn on the light
Tips
- Use pliers to twist the ends of the wires to be joined, before you attach the lasdops. This will be especially helpful for homes that have cables with a larger diameter.
- Don't feel scared. When the mains power is cut off, all cables become harmless. In addition, each wire is color coded, making it difficult to mix up (black and white in the United States, or brown and black in other countries).
- Always follow the instructions that came with the lampholder packaging (if any).
- Most electrical or home supply stores can show you how to install the fitting you purchased, step by step. Some even have sample models that you can try to install yourself. Ask and call if necessary.
- Always use all new parts included in the lampholder packaging (if any).
Warning
- Ask someone to help you hold the lampholder and cover while you work on the connection. It's not a good idea to just leave it hanging on the cord.
- Use the stairs so you don't have to work with your hands above your head all the time, as your shoulders will tire quickly.
- ALWAYS turn off fuses or MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) for the electrical point you are working on. Electricity with a voltage of 220V will certainly be very surprising if you accidentally touch the exposed part of the cable.
