How to Install LED Lights

If you’re looking to illuminate your life with upgraded fixtures, you can’t do better than adding LED light fixtures to your home. They’re perfect for landscaping lights and home décor because they don’t put off heat or use much electricity. But how do you install LED lights?

Benefits of LED Light Fixtures

Since LED lighting has become more affordable, many manufacturers are releasing all-in-one LED light fixtures for the home. These look and perform like traditional fixtures but have LED bulbs installed instead.

These fixed or integrated LED fixtures are complete solutions, combining the bulbs and fixtures in one package. They’re commonly used in utility lighting, such as doorways, exteriors, garages, storage areas, and kitchens.

They have some distinct advantages:

• Set and forget — you won’t have to worry about changing light bulbs.

• No need to replace a ballast, as you often do with fluorescent task lighting.

• Perfect for hard-to-reach locations like vaulted ceilings, attics, or closets.

• They use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

• They don’t put off any heat that adds to your home AC load.

Some Downsides

While these light fixtures are easy to install and inexpensive to buy, they do come with a few disadvantages.

• They can be plain and industrial looking.

• If you depend on fixtures for heat as well as light, such as greenhouses, mud rooms, etc., these won’t work for you.

• If the “bulb” dies, you have to replace the entire fixture.

New Decor Potential

Thankfully, lighting manufacturers have realized that fixed LED lights aren’t just for laundry rooms anymore. You’ll be seeing some high-concept downlights, wall sconces, and panel lights coming from the major manufacturers.

How to Install LED Light Fixtures

Luckily, Installing these LED lights is similar to installing traditional light fixtures:

1. Turn off the power to the fixture at the breaker panel.

2. Remove the old fixture from the wall or ceiling

3. Disconnect the three wire connections using our handy color guide

4. Remove the existing fixture and recycle it if possible

5. Install a new bracket if the old one does not fit

6. Connect the new fixture to the three wire connections

7. Adjust the drop or chain of the new fixture if applicable

8. Secure the new fixture to the wall or ceiling

9. Turn the power back on

10. Test your new fixture

LED Light Installation Near Me

Not everyone feels comfortable working on their own electrical system. After all, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It can also mean purchasing expensive specialty tools you’ll only use once or twice.