How To Install a Light Fixture

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Home renovation topics were trending across search engines for the majority of 2020. Many people were using their home spaces for work and school for the first time, and we all had more time on our hands than we knew what to do with.

While the words “home renovation” may conjure images of tearing down walls and retiling entire bathrooms, it also includes things like giving your home a fresh coat of paint and other cosmetic changes.

If you’re new to the home DIY scene, you may not realize just how much a light fixture can change the look and feel of a space. And if you haven’t had much exposure to electrical projects, learning how to install a light fixture can seem like a daunting process.

Lucky for you, we have all the steps you need. Whether you’re looking to change your bathroom light fixtures, kitchen light fixtures, or any other lighting in your home, read on to learn how to complete this essential home improvement project.

Turn Off the Power to the Light

First, you’ll need to turn off the power at the circuit. Flip the appropriate breaker in your circuit box to “off,” then test the light switch to make sure that the power to the light fixture has been cut.

Detach the Current Light Fixture

Takedown the existing light fixture. Be careful, especially if you’re working with a ceiling light fixture or any heavy fixture. Don’t play the hero; grab a buddy if you need one!

Detach the Current Wiring

Once you remove the light fixture from the ceiling or wall, expose the wiring. Use a voltage detector on the exposed parts of each of the wires to make sure that no electricity is running through the wires.

Once you have double-checked that there is no electricity running through the wiring, unhook the wires in the light fixture from the wires in your wall or ceiling.

Once all the wires are detached, carefully remove the old light fixture from your working space.

Check the Security of the Electrical Box

While you’re up by the electrical box without a light fixture in the way, check that the box is securely attached to the ceiling or wall. If it is loose or wobbly in any way, your newly installed light fixture could come crashing down, especially if it has any weight to it.

Attach the Wires on the New Light Fixture

Find the wires in the new light fixture. Use a wire stripper or cutter to expose the ends of each of the wires. Use these exposed parts of the wires to attach the light fixture to the wires in your ceiling or wall.

Hang the Light Fixture

Connect any loose pieces of the light fixture, and attach the fixture to the wall or ceiling. It should have come with all the parts you need, including any screws and instructions on how to attach it to the box.

Put in the Light Bulbs

Once the fixture is hanging securely, screw the lightbulbs in. You must use the appropriate size lightbulb, and pay attention to the max wattage and voltage that your light fixture can handle. If you’re working on an outdoor fixture, make sure that you’re using bulbs intended for outdoor lighting.

If you ignore these guidelines, your light bulbs may burn out faster than they need to. Although this is rare, it may even cause a fire if you use light bulbs of too high a voltage. In fact, this is one of the leading causes of electrical house fires in the United States.

Turn the Electricity Back On

Finally, flip the switch on your breaker to the on position. Test your new light fixture by flipping the switch, and enjoy the beautiful new lights in your home!

Call on the Experts

Sometimes, you just need some help to bring a project like this to complete. This is where Porter Lighting comes in. The team is poised and ready to help you with every part of the light selection and installation process.

Not Just Lighting Experts, But Also Artists

Porter Lighting knows that choosing new lighting for your home is about more than function. It’s about beauty.

All of Porter Lighting’s employees are ready to get to know you, your style, and your needs. They want the lighting in your home to reflect your personality and set the perfect tone for you and your home.

All of our designs are crafted to bring you joy and comfort. However, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our lighting showroom, we can also create a custom design that will be sure to fit your needs.

Learn more about How to Design Lighting in a House

The Porter Process

The Porter Process is designed to make your light installation as fun and easy as possible. We start with a lighting consultation for all projects, no matter the size or budget. We take the time to get to know what you want and look at any style preferences and inspiration photos you have.

After that, we schedule a visit for you in our lighting showroom. There, you’ll be able to see how all our lighting fixtures look in person. You’ll also be able to ask questions of our experts and find the best products for your needs.

Our experts will also walk you through everything you need to know about the installation process during your showroom visit.

After you’ve decided on a design, Porter Lighting takes it from there. We’ll connect with your contractor about the installation schedule and all the tasks that need to be completed. You won’t have to worry about a thing!

Once the new piece has been installed in your home, we perform a quality check to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should. After that, we show you how it works and leaves you to enjoy your new lighting design!

We also follow up with clients after a project is completed to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your experience. We’re more than happy to come and fix anything that needs adjustment.

Use Your Knowledge of How to Install a Light Fixture to Spruce Up Your Home’s Lighting

Now you have all you need to know how to install a light fixture in your home. Installing the right lights in your home can transform your space and give you a whole new outlook on your home. While you can tackle the project yourself, working with Porter Lighting will guarantee that the installation is done correctly and that you have the perfect piece for your home.

Think you might be ready to take the leap and order some new light fixtures yourself? Check out our products page to see all our latest dining room light fixtures, kitchen light fixtures, and a variety of lamps, fans, and specialty items!