Light Strip Fixture Installation Basics

A light strip fixture is a common lighting source in kitchens, garages and workshops. These lighting fixtures are very easy to install, although some cities require that a licensed electrical contractor install a breaker in the power box for electrical wiring.

Light strip fixtures are often used to create a broad area of light for multiple activities or to light a room where several people may be working at the same time.  Very often, this type of light fixture has long fluorescent light bulbs in it. Before installing the fixture, make sure to remove any light bulbs that may already be present in the fixture.

Step 1

Find the circuit breaker and turn off the power in the ceiling area where you will be installing the light fixture. Double check that you have turned off the power by attempting to turn on other appliances connected to the circuit or by using an amp gauge on electrical outlets connected to the circuit.

Step 2

Remove the existing light fixture. You will probably need to climb a ladder to have easier and more comfortable access to the fixture. First remove the protective globe or shade from the fixture by unscrewing the cap holding it in place. Carefully remove any supporting side screws for the shade or globe.

Step 3

On both sides of the fixture there should be slots with supporting screws. Unscrew these screws so that the fixture housing easily slides from the junction box that is located above it. Disconnect the wiring form the assembly and then slide the assembly free. Set it aside. Remove the screws from the junction box.

Step 4

Use the flashlight to locate the ceiling joists.

Step 5

Remove covers or any other items on the light fixture that will make it unwieldy and heavy to work with as you have it above your head.
Hold the fixture against the ceiling. Use a pencil and mark the installation holes on the ceiling. Set the fixture aside and drill holes for your drywall screws or toggle bolts.

Step 6

Place the drywall screws or toggle bolts at each of the marks you made for the installation holes. Let enough of the screw head to extend out so that it can catch the light fixture when you place it. Hold the light fixture against the ceiling and slide the screw head slots into place on the drywall screws. Shift the fixture so that the screws are in the narrow end of the slots and then tighten the screws.

Step 7

Reconnect the electrical, black to black wire, white to white wire and ground wire to the ground screw in the junction box. Gently push the wires back into the junction box.

Step 8

Before placing the cover on your new light fixture, install any needed bulbs and turn the circuit breaker back on and test the wiring to make sure the light works.

Step 9

If there are no problems, attach the light cover.