Adding an overhead light fixture can bring life and brightness into any dull room, as you learn the proper methods for installing one safely and correctly. Don’t be intimidated if this electrical project is your first; this guide offers step-by-step instructions with images for an easier experience installing ceiling fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Blog : How Much Does Hardwood Flooring Cost?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A new light fixture can instantly transform any space. There is sure to be one perfect for you in one of the many lighting showrooms or catalogues. Don’t be daunted if there are numerous parts with some fixtures; their electrical connections are simple enough for those with basic electrical knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct installation can prevent electric shocks and fires. With this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to select fixtures that mount securely onto your electrical box and demonstrate best practices for testing grounds and connecting wires – including images of two of the most popular mounting systems to help understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before purchasing any fixtures, it’s essential that you understand the temperature rating of the wires currently installed in your home. Before making any purchases, take note of this detail and do your research!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Investigate ways of optimizing your light fixtures so as to increase their efficiency and eco-friendliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deactivate power to the Light Fixture at its main circuit board, unfasten or remove nuts or screws holding down its dome-shaped canopy and lower it gently before unscrewing all fasteners that secure crossbar to electrical box and slowly lowering fixture with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Blog : How much does change light bulbs cost?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Test that power has been turned off completely by using a non-contact electrical voltage detector to check that no current is flowing through (while making sure the light switch is on). If the detector indicates power, switch off circuit breakers and loosen fuses one at a time until indicator light goes out, disconnect any wires connected to light fixtures while leaving remaining tucked neatly within your electrical box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home centers and lighting showrooms selling light fixtures manufactured after 1985 cannot install them due to an important warning: for supply connections use wire rated at least 90 degrees C.” This warning stems from the fact that fixtures with this label can produce enough heat to damage insulation in older wires and therefore pose a fire risk; wires manufactured after 1985 must have insulation capable of withstanding higher temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your wiring predates 1985, avoid fixtures that require 90-degree supply wires. To confirm this information, inspect either the cable jacket or insulation to identify 90-degree supply wires; Romex cables’ plastic sheath should bear letters NMB or UFB while wiring routed through conduits should display THHN or THWN-2 for insulation letters. If in doubt consult with a qualified electrician. Alternatively select fixtures without labels displaying supply temperature information as another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Blog : Cut renovation costs : 10+ Best Ideas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n An light fixture should weigh at least 25 lbs, so it is vital that you inspect your electrical box thoroughly to make sure it can handle its weight. According to the National Electrical Code, up to 50 pounds may be suspended from any electrical box with threaded No. 8-32 machine screw crossbar mounting slots (please refer below for “Mounting With Screws And Cap Nuts”, and “Mounting With A Threaded Pipe”) This standard applies for most types of ceiling boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before attaching any new fixture, it is wise to first ensure your electrical box is anchored firmly to sturdy framing. If your fixture weighs over 50 pounds, a separate support system such as fan braces (available at home centers and hardware shops) designed for installation without further ceiling penetrations may be necessary; you should check its label to confirm its ability to support weights greater than 35 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Electrical Code outlines the maximum number of clamps and wires allowed in an electrical box to ensure its safety. Most standard 1-1\/2 to 2 inch deep octagonal and round ceiling boxes usually provide enough room without overcrowding being an issue; nevertheless it’s always prudent to perform calculations; referring to our section “Calculating Box Sizes.” If a round box only measures 1\/2 inches deep then replacing it immediately should be considered; using retrofitting boxes with fan braces provides the most straightforward approach when installing new electrical panels into existing ceilings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calculating the minimum box size according to the National Electrical Code is a straightforward process: Add one unit for every hot and neutral wire entering the box, two for all ground wires combined, clamps accumulated together, devices (such as switches, receptacles or light fixtures excluding Light Fixtures ) installed inside and multiply this total by 2.25 for 12-gauge wire or 2 for 14 gauge wire (plastic boxes usually display their cubic inch box volume specification on their interior labels).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the necessary adjustments have been made, turn on the main circuit panel switch to restore power. Use a non-contact tester to confirm that power is flowing as planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Place the leads of a neon voltage test between the hot cable and metal box or between it and its bare copper ground wire (if available). If it illuminates, continue with your task; otherwise seek assistance from an electrician licensed in this field as this task may prove challenging. Also remember to switch off your main circuit panel before beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Install a ground wire if the metal box does not already contain one (making sure power has been shut off first), using 6-inch-long bare copper wire wrapped clockwise around a No. Insert the 10-32 ground screw into one of the threaded holes at the base of the box, tighten it, then ensure wire has been wrapped clockwise around at least three quarters around its base before tightening the screw further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As it is essential to the performance of all equipment, particularly light fixtures that feature metal components (or may contain them), it is imperative that they are grounded. First check if a grounding system exists (see Photos 3 and 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your plastic-sheathed ground cable is connected to a metal box, chances are that you are grounded. However, it is wise to perform an earthing test just in case it was wrongly assumed that all metal components (e.g. electrical box, fixture mounting strap and light fixtures) are securely connected (see photos 5 and 8). If your crossbar doesn’t have threaded screws for mounting straps or fixtures you can also use special grounding clips.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Hang a Ceiling Light Fixture Project Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Remove the Old Fixture and Inspect the Wiring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Make Sure the Power is Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check the Electrical Box for Capacity and Strength<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Calculating Box Sizes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Test for a Ground Wire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Test for Ground<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Add a Ground Wire to a Metal Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n