Fixing/replacing an outdoor light fixture?

I will ask first if you know what breaker works that fixture. If both lights are not working, then it will be initially difficult to figure it out. If you do not know, and you are not comfortable with electricity, I would suggest getting an electrician.

Otherwise, this is a fairly simple replacement. If you are cost concious, you could try to take it apart and fix the sockets after cleaning them. You should be able to remove each one by completely removing the thumb screws. However, this WILL expose live wires and the breaker needs to be off before doing so.

My personal opinion - Turn off the approptiate breaker, remove the entire fixture (the white conical base) and replace it with a new one that can be purchased at any home store. Simple remove the two philips head screws you see in the final picture posted above. My guess is that its nasty in there. No need to clean it out. Simply take off the fixture, undo the wire nuts, wire up the new fixture and screw it in place.

Cheap enough...

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=61985-337-MT250WUT&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3036641&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

+1  You can do it Greg!  

 

Emphasis on turning off power to the fixture!  Then, it's just a couple of screws and some wire nuts and you'll be good to go...with a subsequent lifetime of knowing that you are now "handy" and emboldened to take on other projects! 

 

Looks to be an easy job, I 've replaced my interior lights in my kitchen and bathroom when I did and I've replaced ballasts on flourescent tubes before. I actually used an exterior fixture in my kitchen cause I couldn't find one that I liked that was cheap. I found replacing lights fairly simply, the hardest part is the mechanical aspects of trying to hold the light up to the ceiling and put the screws in by yourself. The electrical part is easy and since you know the breaker the controls the light you should be safe as well.

Jay

 

Ain't that the truth!  Another good tip is to be sure your ladder will bring you up to the same height as the fixture (easier outside than in--usually).  This way you are not working with your hands over your head.  That gets old quickly.

 

And grow two other arms/hands.  It will definitely help! 

 

I've got a number of very old (brass) pull chain light fixtures in my 100-year old home and my kids and wife (although they vociferously deny it) pull too hard on the chains and will unseat the chain from inside the fixture.  This means I need to unscrew the fuse (no circuit breakers for me!) and then spend several minutes trying to do some very precise work re-clamping the chain connectors before my arms go limp from being over my head for extended periods of time.  I compare it to working on plumbing underneath a sink.  It's a pain in the neck and back and arms.... 

 

Oh.  and some of those pull-chain light fixtures are inside walk-in closets.  So, there aren't any windows or light sources further adding to the "degree of difficulty." 

 

I get really grumpy when they sheepishly come up to me with the chain in their hands...
 

 

Ah, this is where being a hiker comes in handy. Get one of those cheap Energizer light headlamps that you can wear around your head. In that way you will have a light source and hands free. I use my Black Diamond which is way overkill for stuff for everything from automotive work to household stuff.. You can generally find those energizer ones in supermarkets for $20 or less I think.

Jay

I could see where that would be an improvement over trying to rest three different flashlights on various piles or hanging clothes so that some of the light might hopefully hit the area I need to see! 

 

Thanks, Jay!  And then I can always go on the Amazing Race.  Those contestants seem to use those things all the time. 

:D

Yes it would! i think it is a required prerequisite for The Amazing Race. What is funny is that sometimes after a late hike, I find myself wearing my headlamp home, going grocery shopping, getting dinner. I have to remember that I'm still wearing the thing...

Jay

Yup.

 

 

Thanks, Greg.  I've always had a real interest in music from Disney films, TV shows & theme parks.  In fact, I was first introduced to the HTF via the only other forum on which I have ever been active--MagicMusic.net--having to do with Disney music!

 

Oh.  And we had people on my son-in-law's family (complete strangers to me) in tears during that dance...

I'm sorry I didnt reply sooner. Sounds like you are good to go. But to answer your question. My concern if both lights had been not working was that you would not know what breaker you were dealing with before opening up the fixture. What I usually do is turn on the light that I am replacing and then go turn off the breaker. If the light goes off, I KNOW I have the right breaker off before taking off the fixture. If both lights had been out or not working, you would not be able to do that final "safety check."

I believe the outside box itself (usually with the cover) is a standard size that fits X amount of breakers, then you will just buy the individual breakers and install them as needed. I can't say I've never installed a breaker box, I've rewired existing ones though..

You should be able to trace the wires going to each individual breaker though and see which ones are used. If the house has been rewired or things removed, you might find unused breakers. I.e. my house when I had it had an above-ground pool so the previous owners had a 20amp circuit dedicated to the filter. When I moved in the pool was removed and I rewired that 20amp breaker to 2 outlets that I used for outside yardwork.

Jay