DIY Installing a Ceiling Fixture

This page includes installation instruction for ceiling fixtures where framing and wiring already exists. For a new ceiling fixture installation see the Framing for a New Ceiling Fixture part of this article and the Fishing New Household Wiring page for help running a new circuit.

Installing a Light Fixture

Make sure the power to the ceiling outlet is off. Locate the base of the light fixture. Make sure there are two screw holes in the base that line up with the holes in the outlet box. If the holes don't line up use an adapter, like the one pictured below, with matching holes. Check that the screws to be used thread freely into the outlet box and adapter.

If there are no hole in the base it will most likely make use of a threaded coupler to secure it to the outlet box. Use an adapter like the one pictured to attach this type of fixture.

Secure the adapter to the outlet box using the screws included with it. Feed the fixture wires through the rod and the adapter hole. Turn the threaded rod into the adapter so the base of the new fixture will fit snuggly against the ceiling when installed. Measure the depth of the cover plate to estimate where to set the rod. Small adjustments can be made to the position after the base cover is installed.

Be sure all wires are stripped for splicing. See Splicing Wire for help. If necessary support the ceiling fixture while splicing the wires together. Usually the first wire splice will aid in supporting a small light fixture. Have a helper assist with supporting a larger, heavy fixture.

Splice the green fixture wire with the supply ground wire. If the ceiling fixture doesn't have a ground wire, attach the ground supply wire to the metal outlet box. Splice the black fixture wire with the black supply wire, splice the white fixture wire with the white supply wire. Thread a wire nut onto each splice twisting clockwise. Fold the wires into the outlet box and attach the fixture base to the outlet box using the two screws or the threaded nut. Tighten until the base fits tightly against the ceiling.

To add a new ceiling fixture where none exists see Framing for a New Ceiling Fixture of this article for framing instructions.