Today, I will introduce you how to properly arrange and install led light fixtures.
First, I would like to remind you that installing LED lights requires special care because they require the use of electricity. Therefore, before we start, I will shut down the corresponding circuit to ensure our safety.
Next, I will follow the following three steps to show you how to properly install LED lights.
Step 1: Remove the old light
Before dismantling the old lights, we need to disconnect the power to the corresponding circuit. This can be done by turning off the circuit breaker that powers that circuit in your home’s distribution box (also known as a fuse box). Also, to be safe, I recommend checking to see if the lights have lost power before proceeding to the next step.
Next, we need to clean up the installation area and make sure the working environment is neat and tidy. If we need to use a ladder for the installation, we also need to make sure the ground is clear of debris to ensure we are balanced and safe.
Remove the old light covering. Often, there will be a decorative covering over the old light fixture that you will need to remove. If it is mounted on the ceiling, it needs to be cleaned of dust and cobwebs.
Remove the old light fixture. You need to unscrew the bracket screws that hold the old fixture in place while holding the fixture to prevent it from falling. There will be three wires under the fixture, the hot, ground and neutral wires, which need to be unhooked by rotating the wire connectors.
Unhook the luminaire wire connections. There are two wires inside the old fixture wire connector, one from the fixture and one from the main circuit of the house. The wires of the same color need to be connected together by wrapping the copper wire at the end of the wires together and then using the connector to secure them.
Remove the old fixture. Remove the old fixture from the bracket, while supporting the fixture to avoid dropping it. At this point, you can put the old luminaire aside.
Step 2: Install the new light
Check if the bracket needs to be replaced. In most cases, the mounting hardware of the new fixture will match the original bracket. The new fixture will need to be placed on the bracket to compare the size and fasteners.
Replace the bracket. If the new light requires a special bracket, the original bracket will need to be replaced. Usually the new fixture will have mounting instructions included with it on how to replace the bracket. If not, you can search the Internet for fixture information to find the appropriate bracket model and purchase the appropriate bracket.
Pay attention to whether the insulation of the wires is suitable. If your home was built before 1985, special attention needs to be paid to the suitability of the insulation of the electrical wiring. In that period, the insulation capacity of the wire is poor, if used for LED lights, it will lead to short circuit and fire of the wire because of the heat of the lamps. Therefore, you need to choose the wire that meets the requirements for wiring.
Connect the wires. Connect the house wires to the luminaire wires according to the corresponding color code. In general, the wire color codes are as follows:
- USA: Fire wire is black (single-phase) or red (two-phase), zero wire is white, and ground wire is green, green-yellow, or bare copper.
- United Kingdom: the fire wire is brown, black or red, the zero wire is blue, and the ground wire is green and yellow.
- Canada: The fire wire is black (single-phase) or red (two-phase), the zero wire is white or gray, and the ground wire is green, green-yellow interphase, or bare copper.
Grounding wire. If there is a ground wire, you need to connect the ground wire to the ground screw of the luminaire.
Secure the fixture. Secure the fixture to the bracket, then secure the fixture with the included fasteners to ensure the fixture is secure.
Install accessories. Install the fixture’s exterior trim and parts as needed. When installation is complete, check that the luminaire is level, oriented correctly, and flush with the wall or ceiling. For adjustable luminaires, make sure the installation is at the correct angle.
Test the new light. Return to the distribution box, restore power to the appropriate circuit, then install the bulb and turn on the new light to test the new light for proper operation.
Step 3: Troubleshooting
Test the circuit to see if it is energized. During installation, sometimes wires may be crushed or damaged, causing the circuit to be poorly energized.
Also, if the contractor uses a wire color that is different from the color of the wire in your home, it can lead to a faulty installation. In this case, you need to use a circuit tester to make sure the wires are energized. Connect the two contacts of the circuit tester to the wire and the grounded wire or grounding surface, and if the tester lights up, the wire is energized.
Allow sufficient wire length. After closing the circuit, secure the new light to the bracket and then roughly measure the length of the wire to make sure it is long enough to use. At the same time, to facilitate wiring, you should leave a certain amount of excess wire length. Because the wire will become susceptible to damage over time, it may be necessary to strip some of the insulation from the wire and reconnect it to the fixture.
- Add lengths of wire. If you are using an older cord, or if the stripped portion of the cord is not easily accessible, strip off a length of cord after closing the circuit. Generally, the stripped length is about 1.3 cm. Be careful when using wire cutters or blades to avoid damaging the wire.
- Ask for help. If you need help installing a light fixture, ask a family member or friend to help you secure the fixture. If no helper is available, use an unused wire to secure the fixture to the bracket. With the fixture supported, you can use both hands for wiring, which makes it easier to complete the wiring steps.
It is especially convenient to have a helper to help when installing ceiling fixtures. When you are on a ladder or chair, your helper can help you keep your balance, pass tools and parts, and help you take away unwanted parts.
If you are uncomfortable with the process of installing a light fixture, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a professional electrician or a led light suppliers. This will ensure your safety and make sure the electrical connections meet safety standards.
