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An incandescent light fixture is relatively simple, requiring only a firm mounting and electrical power wires. (click to enlarge)
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An incandescent lighting fixture is simply a system that requires an incandescent bulb, the oldest type of electrical lighting. Incandescent bulbs contain a tungsten wire filament that glows when electricity runs through it. These filaments are relatively fragile and don't last very long. Newer lighting systems use gas or gas and a filament to produce light more efficiently. Because incandescent lighting is simple and the bulbs are inexpensive, they will be with us for a long time.
Replace an incandescent lighting fixture:
- Turn the circuit off at the electrical service panel.
- Remove the light cover and unscrew the bulb(s). Some lighting fixtures are mounted on a short threaded pipe called a nipple.
- Disassemble any hardware holding the lighting fixture in place. You may need to remove trim to find hardware or fasteners.
- Pull the fixture from the electrical box.
- Disconnect the fixture wires from the circuit wires. They may be connected with electrical nuts or with electrical tape.
- Take the fixture to an electrical or hardware store for a replacement. You will need to match wattage as well as make sure that the mounting holes correspond.
- Follow the fixture manufacturer's instructions for preparing the fixture for installation. In most cases, remove insulation from the last 1/2 inch of the wire, connect like to like (black-to-black, white-to-white), and attach the wires with nuts or electrical tape.
- Attach the new fixture to the electrical box using mounting screws, then tighten the screws.
- Once the fixture is installed, turn the circuit on at the electrical service panel.
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