If your existing fluorescent light fixture doesn't match your kitchen decor, install an updated fixture. Materials: medium and large flat-head screwdrivers
circuit tester
needle-nose pliers to bend and shape wires
drill and bit
tape measure
pencil
wire nuts
toggle bolts or wood screws to secure new fixture
safety goggles - Turn off the power at the circuit-breaker box.
- Remove the lens or diffuser panel from light.
- Remove the lamps or bulbs.
- Remove the ballast cover. For future reference, observe how the wires are connected.
- Uncap the black and white wires, and test to ensure that the power is off.
- Separate the wires from the existing fixture.
- Remove the fixture base from the ceiling.
Installing the New Fixture - Remove the ballast cover from the new fixture base (figure A).
- Remove the center knockout to allow wires to go through the base (figure B).
- Position the base of the fixture at the desired point on the ceiling.
- Use the tape measure to ensure that the base is parallel to the wall, and mark the position of the mounting holes.
- Take the fixture down and, using marks for reference, drill holes for fastening the fixture to the ceiling. If you encounter resistance when drilling past the ceiling drywall, you've hit a joist, and you'll need wood screws. If no joist is available, use toggle bolts. If toggle bolts are required, use a screwdriver to widen the mounting hole enough to allow the toggle bolt to pass through.
- Place the bolts in mounting holes, and attach toggles on the back.
- Push the toggles through the mounting holes, and secure by screwing into place.
- Make electrical connections by connecting the black supply wire to the black fixture wire and the white supply wire to the white fixture wire. Cap the connections with wire nuts, and attach the ground (bare) wire to the base of the fixture (figure C).
- Attach the ballast cover (figure D).
- Install the lamps or bulbs.
- Install the fixture cover.
- Turn the power on at the circuit-breaker box.
Next: Wall and Trim Paint
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