Replacing Kitchen Sink Lighting

Your kitchen sink lighting is an important part of the overall usefulness of your work area. If you can not see what you are working on, then you can not do it effectively. The light source you have over your kitchen sink, if not working properly, will need to be replaced. Fortunately, replacing your kitchen sink lighting is not something that you need to call an electrician for. You can easily do this yourself with some basic tools.

Step 1: Remove Old Light Fixture

When working with any type of electricity in your home, always turn off the breaker that supplies power to that area. If you are not sure of which breaker to turn off, then try a light switch in that room until it goes off. Regardless of the type of kitchen sink lighting you have—undermount, recessed or hanging—the steps will be quite similar.

Take the cover off the light fixture with the set screws. Remove the light bulbs and put them in a safe place where they will not roll off and break. Look for two screws that are recessed into the light mounting platform. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws. Hang onto the mounting platform as it will start to come off.

Step 2: Disconnect Wires

The mounting platform of the light fixture will still be attached after you remove the screws. Do not let it hang by the wires. This will put pressure on the wires, and could possibly pull them free of their connections. Hold the mounting platform and disconnect the wires by twisting the wire nuts. Unscrew the ground wire and remove old fixture.

Step 3: Connect New Fixture

Have all your tools at hand so you don't have to leave the light fixture hanging while you pick them up. Install the light fixture in the reverse order of how you removed it. Most light fixtures are manufactured to a standard size and shape to fit over the electrical box in the ceiling. If your fixture is not standard, you will have to make some electrical box changes. Never let the fixture hang from the electrical wires. Use the wire nuts and attach the appropriate wires together. Make sure they are tightly connected and not loose. Secure the ground screw.

Step 4: Attach Kitchen Sink Lighting

While still holding the mounting bracket up, get the screws ready to attach the fixture. Press the mounting platform up to the electrical box making sure not to crimp any of the wires. Sometimes they will try to come out the sides of the fixture. Check to make sure that there is nothing hanging out from underneath the bracket. Screw in one of the mounting screws and tighten. Now you can let go of the fixture. Screw in the second screw and check to make sure it is secure. Replace the light bulbs and turn the power back on. Turn the light on to see if it works. If it does, attach the light cover.