Your Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Bathroom Light Fixtures

7 steps to a brighter bathroom.

Installing or replacing bathroom lighting fixtures is easy with our in-depth guide. Brighten your morning routine by following the steps below, including ways to install a wall sconce, vanity lighting and a bath bar.

What You Will Need:

Drill
Needle nose pliers
Wire stripper
Voltage tester
Level
Ladder

Step 1: Determine Placement

Install wall sconces 5ft – 6ft above ground level and at least 60cm apart. If you’re installing a bath bar or vanity light, place it just over the mirror or 90cm – 122cm above the countertop height.

Step 2: Turn Off Power

Turn off the power source at both the light switch and the breaker box.

Step 3: Remove Existing Fixture

Remove the bulbs from the existing fixture first, then remove the decorative plate from the mounting bracket using your drill. You’ll see the exposed wires coming from the wall. Untwist the wire connectors and separate the wires. Remove the mounting plate.

Step 4: Install Mounting Bracket

Secure the new mounting bracket to the junction box using the supplied screws. Using the level, ensure that the bracket isn’t crooked.

Step 5: Reconnect Wiring

Connect the bare ground wire, which is typically green, to the grounding screw. Connect the black (hot) wires together, twisting the braided wires. Place the wire nuts over the wires and twist clockwise to ensure that the wires are secure. Repeat this process for the white (neutral) wires.

Step 6: Attach Fixture

Attach the fixture to the mounting bracket. Attach the new shades to the fixture. Screw in compatible lightbulbs – make sure that the wattage of the bulbs matches the wattage allowance of the fixture. This information will be in a product’s description.

Step 7: Turn Power On

Turn the power back on to double-check that the fixture works properly.

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