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How to Replace a Light Fixture in 7 Steps
Let there be light (but like, for real)
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Your light fixture replacement project costs around $50 for DIY materials, while professional installation costs $151 to $894 for standard fixtures.
You need to turn off your circuit breaker and use a voltage checker to confirm no electricity remains before working on your fixture.
Your new fixture requires connecting three wires (black, white, and copper) securely to the ceiling wires before mounting the base plate and testing.
Hiring a local light fixture installation professional provides reliable help with wiring connections and troubleshooting when your new fixture won't turn on.
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Ladder
- Wire strippers
- Screwdriver
- Optional, but recommended: voltage checker
SUPPLIES
- A new light fixture for the space
- Light bulb
Replacing an old light fixture is a great way to liven up an area of your house or give a room a new look altogether. The task itself isn’t super difficult, but when dealing with electrical components, it’s best to proceed with caution and carefully consider if this task is right for you before flipping any switches. Learn how to replace a light fixture safely and securely below.
Prepping to Change a Light Fixture
Photo: plysuikvv / Adobe Stock
Ask and answer the questions below, and make sure replacing a light fixture DIY feels like a good project for you. If not, it’s highly recommended that you consult an electrician near you.
How high are your ceilings? Do you feel comfortable climbing on a ladder?
Do you have someone to help you, both in supporting the ladder and assisting you with removing the light fixture from the ceiling?
Do you know which type of electrical box is installed in your ceiling?
Do you know how to work a circuit breaker and electrical panel?
Have you carefully read the instructions for installing the new light fixture?
The cost to install a new light fixture is between $151 and $894 on average, although chandeliers and more complex fixtures may cost slightly more.
Turn Off Your Electricity
Before you start, you’ll need to turn the electricity off in the area you’re working. It’s not enough to shut the power switch off on the wall. Go to your circuit panel and flip the circuit breaker for the room or area you’ll be working.
If you live in an older house, a voltage checker is highly recommended here. Trace sources of electricity may still be present even after you shut the circuit off. A voltage checker costs $10 to $20 at a hardware store and can ensure you’re able to work safely DIY.
Carefully Loosen and Remove the Old Light Fixture
Photo: Tiko / Adobe StockEach light fixture is different, so look carefully or do a quick internet search to see how to remove your particular model safely. If the light fixture has a cover, you’ll need to remove that first. Gently unscrew or remove it, then set it aside or hand it to someone down the ladder. (This is why it’s best to enlist a helper for this job.)
Once the cover is off and you’re absolutely sure no electricity is running through the source, unscrew the base of the light fixture to expose the wiring and hardware.
In most cases, you’ll need to unwire a black, copper, and white wire. If there’s trim or a base attached to the ceiling, you may need to unscrew that after the three wires are taken apart before proceeding.
Tighten Ceiling Screws
If you installed the old light fixture years ago, the screws holding the electrical box in your ceiling might be loose. Tighten them manually with a screwdriver.
Attach the New Light Fixture’s Wires
Next up, you’ll redo what you’ve just undone—this time with your new light fixture.
Attach the copper, white, and black wires carefully to your ceiling. Make sure you connect the frayed ends of the new wires securely to the old wires in your ceiling. If you do this part incorrectly, you’ll need to take the entire fixture off the ceiling to troubleshoot.
Then, look for the base in your electrical box on the ceiling to mount the fixture. Secure the new light fixture into place with screws.
Install the New Base Plate or Trim
If there’s a new base plate or trim that needs to be attached to the ceiling first, install that next. You may need a power drill if you can’t manually turn the screws. Reuse old screw holes if possible for simplicity’s sake.
Screw in Your New Light Bulbs
Photo: Andrey Popov / Adobe StockOnce the base and fixture are in place and secure, add a new light bulb (or bulbs) to your light fixture. Gently screw those in, then add the new cover and secure if necessary.
Turn the Electricity Back On and Test
Flip the circuit breaker back and try your new light. If it works, you’re all done!
If yours isn’t turning on, it’s likely that you didn’t connect one of the three wires in your electrical box properly. To troubleshoot, you’ll need to shut off electricity to the room or area again, unscrew everything you’ve attached, and tighten the wires. If troubleshooting still comes up dark, consider enlisting the help of a local electrician who can get the lights turned back on in a snap.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Expenses to replace a light fixture yourself breaks down to the fixture and the tools required to install it. You can purchase a screwdriver, voltage detector, and wire strippers for less than $20 each, but light fixture prices vary quite a bit. Installing a chandelier can exceed $1,000, while a small island pendant light runs about $100. Don’t forget to factor in your bulb, which will run up to $10, depending on whether you choose and LED or incandescant bulb.
Should you go the pro route, you can hire an electrician or local handyperson. Most electricians charge between $90 and $900 to install a light fixture, while a handyperson charges $60 to $125 per hour.
Additional Questions
Do you need an electrician to install a new light fixture?
Depending on the complexity of the job, you can hire a licensed electrician or local handyperson. You might opt for an electrician if the new fixture requires heavy wiring, significant heights, or new circuits, as a handyperson usually doesn’t hold an electrical license.
Should you install LED lights?
LEDs produce direct light beams that are great for accent, recessed, and under kitchen cabinet lighting. But they’re not known for their warm lighting. If you want a softer yellow hue in, say, your library, go for an incandescent light instead.
Lighting services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.5★ avg. • 13 total reviews
- Ronald A.
Custom Paint Jobs LLC gave our office a fresh new look. Clients love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - John S.
Best painters in the Greater Columbus, Ohio area. Quality of work second to none and customer service is head above shoulders than everyone else. I cant wait to work on another project with Silvio and Team!
- Lauren R.
The Mosby team went above and beyond for my project. They not only installed my light fixture; they also worked through an old, wonky, and as it turns out incorrect wiring issue from the work of prior contractors. Professional, thorough, conscientious, and kind. Five star experience. Thank you!
Mosby Electric - Locke M.
We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest Lightscapes - Stephen D.
Jeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
- Stephanie S.
For several months I was looking for somebody to tile a wall in my master bath and move lighting fixtures, and could not find anybody who was responsive. I contacted Rowe through Home Advisor and within days they came by to assess the job and provide an estimate. The cost was very...
Rowe House Development - John E.
A team of 2 spent 5 hours, cleaning top to bottom (removed all light fixture and cleaned.... impressive!!!)
Luzia's Cleaning - Jessica E.
It went very well. I was able to select the color blocks I wanted and where they would be placed in the window. All of the employees were very pleasant and patient. The guys who installed the window arrived promptly, did their job, and there was nothing for me to clean up. The window looks...
Innovate Home Org - Columbus Glass Block - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Robb B.
Charlie recommended a separate fan with new lighting to clear steam from the room better. Several weeks ago I contacted Charlie via email to ask about pricing and scheduling, after one follow up he did reply with cost and said it would be about two weeks before he could do the work. I replied...
Settle Muter Electric
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