Replace a Vanity Light Fixture 03

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : Replace a Vanity Light Fixture 03

THE PROJECT

Installing a new fixture will vary depending on its style and brand. The following are general instructions on how to install a wallmounted light fixture (or sconce). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.

1. Familiarize yourself with the parts of your new fixture.

2. With the power off at the service panel, recheck the exposed wires with an electric tester to verify that the power is off.

3. Screw the mounting plate or strap onto the electrical box.

4. Rewire as your old fixture was—black to black, white to white, ground to ground or to electrical box. Be sure that your wires are properly connected and tightened with wire nuts. (If you tug on the wire nuts, you shouldn’t be able to pull them off—if they come off, either screw them on tighter or use a smaller wire nuts.)
5. Carefully fold the wires into the electrical box.

6. Align the fixture over the mounting plate and, with the screws provided, secure it to the plate.

7. Screw in the light bulb(s) and then the globe. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws—doing so may crack the globe.

What if I discover my old fluorescent vanity light has no electrical box?

If you remove your old fixture and fi nd only wires coming out from the wall with no electrical box, you must install one. Purchase a remodel electrical box (also known as an old-work box or, for a light fixture, a round work box). These types of boxes attach directly to the drywall, as opposed to being fastened to studs when the home is being built.

To install the electrical box, trace the box shape on the drywall where your wires come out of the wall. Cut out the shape with a drywall saw. Pull the wires through the entry holes in the back of the box. Now insert the box into the drywall hole. Secure the box to the sides of the drywall by tightening the two screws.

Be sure that your light fi xture doesn’t exceed the maximum weight capacity for the remodel box (usually about 10 pounds).

If the wires from your old fixture are not centered over your vanity, you’ll probably need to run new wiring through studs to center the remodel box. Running new wiring is a more complex electrical project and is usually required to be performed or checked by a licensed electrician.