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Replacing an Older Light Fixture

I am at my daughter’s home and she has asked me to replace the light fixture above her kitchen sink: How to Update Older Light Fixture Wiring.


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Electrical Wiring and Older Home Light Fixtures
Electrical Question:I am at my daughter’s home and she has asked me to replace the light fixture above her kitchen sink.

This electrical wiring question came from: Del from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Del.

Application: Replace an Old Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

How to Update Older Light Fixture Wiring

Del, I fully understand your situation. I have been on jobs where a light fixture needs to be replaced only to find that the original wiring is just poked out through the wall. So in a case such as this you need to make that part of the electrical wiring up to code or at least make it safer. Obviously, if the wiring is so bad that the insulation crumbles and falls off, then the homeowner may need to consider electrical wiring repairs or better yet, begin to upgrade the wiring one area at a time, if not the whole house. If the wiring is in good shape then it is necessary to install a light fixture box so that the wiring may be contained in an approved electrical enclosure and the new light fixture will be mounted and installed onto a compatible enclosure as well. For electrical junction boxes and light fixture box information, just follow the link below.

Electrical Tip about Home Improvement Electrical Wiring

Improving a home by bringing the electrical wiring up to code is essential for improving the safety of your home and your family, and it should dramatically improve the value of the home as well.

More about Electrical Wiring and Light Fixtures

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For more information about Electrical Safety
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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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