If you're looking to install a new light fixture, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician. However, replacing an existing fixture is a project you can do yourself with just a few tools.
You'll need basic electrical skills to replace a ceiling light fixture. Once you know how to replace a light fixture, you'll be able to tackle a variety of other relatively easy projects, like replacing an outlet or light switch. If you decide to go with a chandelier, check out our article on chandelier installation.
It is not safe to remove and replace a light fixture without turning off the breaker first. Here's why: Electrical Shock Risk: Working on live wires poses a serious risk of electrical shock. Even if the fixture is turned off via the switch, there may still be voltage present in the wiring.
A: Switching out a ceiling light fixture is often fairly simple: Turn off the power to the circuit, climb a ladder and remove the old fixture, then connect the new fixture's wiring and base, screw in the bulbs and add a shade. Restore the power and flip the switch. Voilà! A whole new feel for the room.
With just a few tricks up their sleeve, anyone can put ceiling lights up and take them down all by themselves. Even if you rent and can't renovate, you can change the entire feel of a room by simply changing the ceiling light.
While it is possible to learn how to replace a light fixture, we always recommend hiring a qualified electrician for this type of job. Should any damage be caused due to faulty installation, you could invalidate your home insurance policy and any electrical fitting warranties.
The cost to install a light without existing wiring can vary greatly, typically ranging from $150 to $800 per fixture. This price range depends on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the type of light fixture, and the rates of your local electrician.
Most electricians charge between $35 and $100 per hour, and it takes an average of two hours to install a light fixture, so you're probably looking at a cost of $50 to $250 to finish the job.
While not every fixture requires grounding, especially those in non-conductive materials, metal fixtures should always be grounded to prevent shock and ensure safe operation.
It's important to make sure that the electricity to your light fixture has been turned off at the breaker box. A lot of people think that simply flipping the wall switch to the off position will allow them to safely change a light fixture in their home. This isn't the case.
While some handymen can certainly do minor electrical work, such as replacing a light fixture or installing a light switch, more complicated tasks require the expertise of someone with years of experience and extensive knowledge of safety and electrical codes.
Depending on what you ultimately decide, it can take an electrician as little as 30 minutes to replace a light fixture and up to a full day, depending on the size of your project. In terms of budgeting, you will need to consider the cost of the lighting and labor.
The cost to replace a light switch is $150 on average, but it often ranges from $60 to $300, depending on the switch type and the cost of professional labor in your area.
If a switch is damaged, or you just want to update your fittings, it's quite simple to replace it. Just make sure you write down exactly how the old switch was wired before you disconnect it, and wire the new switch in the same way. Also, try and keep hold of your original screws.
Do I need to hire an electrician to install a light fixture? Unless you have previous electrical experience, you should always hire a licensed electrician for any electrical project, including installing a light fixture.
If you're looking to install a new light fixture, we recommend hiring a licensed electrician. However, replacing an existing fixture is a project you can do yourself with just a few tools.
Capping electrical wires is the safe, code-approved way of dealing with terminated electrical cables. It's important to cap electrical wires for fire safety, to prevent electrical shocks, and to prevent short-circuiting or damage to the electrical system.
Light fixtures often include their own mounting strap. The mounting strap is a strip of metal that screws into the junction box in the ceiling. If you're replacing your fixture, you can just re-use the existing strap.
While you can change a light fitting yourself if you have basic electrical knowledge, hiring an electrician is recommended for safety and compliance, especially for complex fixtures.
Most handymen charge between $50 and $80 per hour, making an average of $150 to $600 per job. Rates depend on their specialty, experience, level of education, and whether the handyman is insured, requires specialized equipment, or services rural locations.
Fancy or not, light fixtures often come with product warranties. Many of these indicate that their installation requires a professional. Unless you're a licensed electrician, installing them on your own voids their warranty.
In all seriousness, electrical work is not something to be taken lightly. It requires proper training and certification to ensure that it is done safely and correctly. So, unless you're a certified electrician yourself, it's best to leave light fixture changes to the experts.
The average cost to install a light fixture typically falls within the range of $75–300, though this is often just the starting point. The total cost for lighting installation services can climb toward $1000+ depending on the complexity of the installation and your electrician's rates.