Fluorescent lights are one of the cheaper and brighter of choices for the home. They can also use less energy and so are "green friendly" devices. Here we will discuss how to install a regular fluorescent light fixture. The tools you will need are; drill motor and drill bits, hardware, wire nuts, screws, and toggle bolts.


1) The first thing to do is locate a secure place to mount the fluorescent light fixture. This tutorial assumes it is going on the ceiling. You will need a ceiling joist to support your new light. If you can not find one consider it unsafe to mount the fluorescent ceiling fixture.



2) Once you have found a safe place to mount the fluorescent light fixture, remove the cover on the unit. If there are any instructions that came with the light on connecting wires or other things go ahead. For connecting wires use wire nuts. If your light has a grounding screw, locate it now to use it later. Locate the hole where the electrical wires will enter the fixture. If the hole is covered by a knockout, remove the knockout.



3) Place the fixture in the place where you will be installing it. If the fluorescent unit has not pre-drilled holes for mounting, now is the time to make them. Make sure not to drill into the wall or ceiling where electrical wires may be.



4) Turn off the power to the circuit at the circuit breaker box. Mark it with a sign so that no one else will come along and turn it back on while you are working.



5) Install the fluorescent light fixture. Use screws to go through the unit and into the ceiling joist. Feed the wires that will be providing power to the unit into the fixture. If it is impossible to screw the screws into a joist, use toggle bolts instead.


6) Join the black light fixture wire to the black incoming electrical wire and the white to the white. If there is a screw on the unit for the ground wire, attach the incoming ground wire to the screw and tighten it with good force. Secure the wires together with wire nuts and make sure to insulate with electrical tape where there is any chance of a short.



7) Put the fluorescent tubes into their holder in the unit. Install the plastic diffuser or whatever cover your fixture came with, over the bulbs. Restore the power to the electrical circuit at the circuit breaker panel. Turn on the switch to your light and test out your new fluorescent light fixture.