Switch It Up: How To Swap Out A Ceiling Fixture

Well, I did it. I tackled my first electrical project! If you follow me on Facebook, you will recall a post from last Friday:



To date, I have 4 pigtail lights (a temporary hanging socket for a light bulb, attached to the electrical box) hanging from my ceiling. I am beginning to tire all the half done projects around the house so I was committed to completing one by the end of the weekend.

I decided to challenge myself after reading an article in the latest issue of Bust Magazine. This magazine, in short, is a woman's guide to life (Thanks for the subscription, Jess!). The article, Electric Ladyland,  explains in layman's terms, how to perform simple electrical tasks such as replacing outlets, rewiring lamps and switching a ceiling fixture.


My first attempt at electrical...step one: remove the pigtail.

Here are the instructions I followed to install my ceiling fixture...

(Note: Hardwiring of ceiling electrical box should be installed by a licensed electrician before performing the following tasks) 


Click Here for Bust's Current Issue
If you have having trouble reading the instructions, email me and I will
send you a copy.


I will admit, I did cheat but just a little. Nick was there walking me through the steps; both his own and Bust's instructions. I was a tad weary to perform this task on my own, so I chickened out and asked for his guidance. In the end, the instructions above were informative and useful....but it was nice to have someone walk me through it. Plus, it was handy to have an extra set of hands to hold up the fixture while screwing/twisting the wires. Take note.

Ceiling fixture installed. 

Thanks Bust Magazine for the insightful, easy to read instructions. You made me proud of my handy work  and now...only 3 more fixtures to install! What do you think? Do these instructions from Bust Magazine inspire you to attempt swapping your drab ceiling fixture to a new one?