п»їReplacing a Bathroom Vanity Light: A Step-by-Step Guide

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To replace a bathroom vanity light, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to the existing light fixture at the circuit breaker.

2. Remove the old light fixture by unscrewing the mounting screws or nuts.

3. Disconnect the electrical wiring by removing wire nuts or unscrewing terminal screws.

4. Take down the old mounting plate and remove any excess caulk or adhesive.

5. Install the new mounting plate, aligning it with the existing electrical box.

6. Connect the new light fixture’s wires to the corresponding wires in the electrical box.

7. Secure the new light fixture to the mounting plate using screws or nuts.

8. Turn on the power and test the new light fixture.

Transforming the look of your bathroom can be as simple as replacing the vanity light. If you have experience replacing light fixtures, this project can be easily done without the help of an electrician. A new vanity light, along with a clean mirror or a new one, can make a significant difference in your space. Similar to replacing a ceiling light or installing wall sconces, this project can be completed in no time.

A bathroom vanity light fixture typically comes with a mounting plate that screws to the electrical box already in the wall. With the wiring already in place, all you have to do is remove the old fixture and install the new one. Here is a step-by-step tutorial to help you replace your old bathroom vanity light fixture.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Step ladder

• Screwdriver

• Utility knife

• Pliers

• Non-contact voltage tester

• Wire strippers

How to Replace a Vanity Light Fixture

Before starting any electrical work, turn off the power at the breaker box. Avoid relying on the light switch as it could be inadvertently turned on while you’re working, leading to a shock. Given that water is present in the bathroom, shocks could be even more dangerous. So, locate the circuit breaker for the bathroom lighting, switch it off, and leave it off until you’re done working. Since bathrooms usually have two circuits, one for the lights and the other for the outlets, ensure you turn off the right one. If you’re unsure, turn them both off.

1. Remove the Light Bulbs and Shades

If the existing fixture has glass shades, they are usually held in place with small thumb screws. Loosen the screws to release the shades and be careful not to drop them when you remove them. Then, unscrew and remove the light bulbs. Finally, set the shades and bulbs somewhere safe and out of the way.

2. Unfasten the Old Light Fixture

Some electricians apply caulk around the perimeter of fixture mounting plates to protect wiring from bathroom moisture. If your fixture has been caulked, cut through the caulk with a sharp utility knife to prevent pulling paint off the drywall when you remove the mounting plate.

To remove the old fixture, loosen and remove the screws on the mounting plate, set the screws aside, and gently pull the fixture forward a few inches until you can access the fixture wiring. Be careful not to touch the wires.

3. Check the Power in the Wires

Although you have turned off the circuit breaker, it is advisable to use a voltage tester to test the wires in the wall to ensure that they are dead. Use a non-contact voltage tester and place the tester’s tip on each wire that is connected to the fixture and any other wires in the box. The tester should not detect any voltage in any of the wires. If the tester lights up or beeps during the test, return to the breaker box and turn off the correct breaker before retesting the wires to confirm that there is no power.

4. Disconnect the Wiring

While supporting the fixture on the ladder (if necessary), reach behind the mounting plate and unscrew the wire nuts that hold the fixture wires to the electrical wires in the wall. Once you have removed the wire nuts, you should be able to remove the fixture. If the ground wires are still twisted together, use pliers to untwist them.

5. Prepare the Circuit Wires for the New Fixture

If the circuit wires have at least 1/2 inch of exposed wire on the ends and are relatively straight, you can leave them as they are. If not, use wire strippers to remove more insulation and straighten the wires if they are bent.

6. Replace the Crossbar (if necessary)

The mounting bracket for a light fixture is called a crossbar, and the one that comes with your new bathroom vanity light fixture may differ from the one that came with the previous fixture. If this is the case, remove the old crossbar from the electrical box and replace it with the new one. If the two crossbars are identical, you can reuse the old one, but you may want to replace it anyway.

7. Prepare the New Light Fixture

If you have not already done so, unpack the fixture and unwind the wires. You will see a white wire and a black wire, each with an exposed end, and you will likely also see a bare ground wire. If the ground wire is missing, look for a green grounding screw on the side of the fixture’s junction box where you will attach the circuit ground wire.

8. Connect the White and Black Wires

While supporting the fixture on the ladder, connect the white fixture wire to the white circuit wire by twisting them together clockwise using pliers, then screw a wire connector (wire nut) onto the exposed ends. The wire connectors should be supplied with the fixture. Do the same for the black fixture wire and the black circuit wire. There should be no exposed wire outside the connectors; if there is, use larger connectors or trim the wire ends (as long as they are at least 1/2 inch long) and reinstall the connectors.

9. Connect the Ground

If the fixture has a bare or green insulated ground wire, twist it together with the circuit ground wire (the bare one) and screw on a wire connector. If the fixture has a ground screw, wrap the circuit ground wire around it clockwise and tighten it with a screwdriver.

Step 10: Attach the Fixture

Using the provided hardware, attach the fixture onto the crossbar. For fixtures that come with machine screws, secure them to the crossbar with nuts first, then insert the screws through the holes in the fixture mounting plate and tighten capped nuts by hand. Other fixtures can be mounted by aligning the holes on the mounting plate with those on the crossbar, inserting screws, and tightening them with a screwdriver. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your new fixture.

Pro Tip

Some vanity light fixtures have multiple individual lights attached to a long piece of metal or wood, requiring additional support. These fixtures come with extra hardware and instructions for securing the main fixture to the wall.

Step 11: Install the Bulbs and Covers

Twist a light bulb into each of the fixture sockets. For fixtures with glass shades or covers, follow the instructions to install them. Some screw on, while others are held by thumbscrews. In some cases, the shades must be installed before the light bulbs can be screwed in.

Step 12: Test Your Work

Turn the bathroom circuit breaker back on and flip the bathroom light switch to ensure that the lights turn on.

If you need a visual guide, watch this video from Big Al Repairs: