A guide to fitting wall lighting fixtures

With many modern light fixtures being readily available in easily assembled kits, fitting indoor or outdoor light fittings is a fairly easy task for most competent DIY enthusiasts. Sconces and wall lights help to improve the effect or atmosphere of a room, or approach to a house. To learn how to fit wall lighting fixtures to your home, read the guide below.

Removing the old fitting

Replacing an existing fixture The task of placing a new wall light to replace an existing one is usually simple enough as many kits come complete with mounting brackets that fit the existing one. Any light fixtures that are new installations should not be installed by the homeowner as these should only be installed by a professional electrician who is qualified and registered for this task. Ensure that the electricity is off The first and important task is to switch the electricity off at the fuse box or mains to ensure that it is safe to touch the cables without a risk of electrocution. Check that the power is off with a circuit tester. Removing the existing fixture Remove the screws by holding the existing decorative lighting, and carefully disconnect the wires to free the fixture. Take care to leave the wires exposed from the electrical connections.
Mounting bracket If the mounting bracket already in place is of the same size and fittings ofr the new indoor wall lighting or porch lighting, then it is easy to connect the new one to it. If not, then you will have to remove this and replace it with the new one provided in the lighting kit. It is usually held in place by two or three screws.

Fitting the new system into place

Fitting the new bracket Set the new mounting bracket to line up with the electrical box or wire connectors ensuring that the wires are exposed to fit the fixture. Secure the mounting bracket in place by drilling holes in the wall if necessary. Use wall plugs to help to secure the screws in place.
Connect the wires Hold the new light fitting in position, and line up each wire with its corresponding coloured wire and connect each by using plastic wire connectors to ensure a good connection. Push any excess wire back into the wall or electrical box, and line up the fixture with the correct holes on the mounting bracket. Insert the screws provided into those holes, and complete this task until each is tight and the fixture secure. Restore power The only task left to do is to switch the electricity back on at the fuse box or mains, and to check if the new light fixture is working correctly.