I live alone and I want to save money, so I've been repairing stuff around my home. Up until recently, I had never owned or used a hammer, but now I just use the internet as my guide and buy all of my supplies at the local hardware store.
When I mentioned I wanted to install the light, my friends insisted I not try it. Granted they say that about everything, including hammering nails and painting. In their universe, girls shouldn't do little home repairs because they'll get hurt. If I bought all the tools listed on the site, and turned off the power... Is there this huge risk that I'll still get electrocuted? Should I just not attempt stuff that deals with wiring?
2007-10-11 09:32:42 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I'm an electrician, this is an easy job. First make sure the switch to the existing ficture is off or the circuit to the ficture is off. remove the old ficture and follow the directions to install the new one. You probably bought it at a home center and it should be pre-wired at the factory. I'm sure you will only have to connect the white wire to the white wire , and the black wire to the opposite wire. It may be a color. or even another black wire. check the directions for on/off times. It will porbably have settings for sensitivity and duration of "on" time. Good luck. Don't forget to turn the power back on. If it is controlled by a switch, the switch must remain in the "on" position to let the light work on it's own.
2007-10-11 11:43:44 · answer #1 · answered by Jim P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is only a matter of switching out fixtures, definitely give it a shot. If the power is OFF at the panel then there will be no risk of shock. Follow the directions that come with the fixture carefully and you should be fine.
If you're talking about ADDING the light where none existed then get someone to do it.
2007-10-11 09:39:00 · answer #2 · answered by duker918 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, turn ON the light that is there now, then flip the breaker until it turns off. This way you will be sure that you have the right breaker and that the power is OFF. Change out the fixture be sure to attach the same color wires the way it is wired up now. They should have screw on connectors and use black electrical tape to tape around them so they are secure when you finish. Good luck!
2007-10-11 10:24:20 · answer #3 · answered by Tim E 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Motion light/ at front door?
use exsisting wiring? when u remove old tag each wire so u know how to rewire new item, then hang it up and try it!!
if in carport or garage should be wired allready..too!
New wiring have an election run it for you just the wire do the lamp yourself..cost maybe depending feet>>>maybe $50.00 ask a neighbor to help??
2007-10-11 09:44:58 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read some "how to" guides and go for it. Everyone was a beginner once and you will be "wiring tornado" before you know it ....just ask questions and never be embarrassed to say, "I don't know," ....My father said that was the sign of a truly intelligent person....I agree with him
Good luck
2007-10-11 10:47:55 · answer #5 · answered by latenttraveler 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Duker suggests all you need to know. Swicthing an existing fixture is relatively easy; whil running wire and installing a fixture where one never existed might be a bit different.
2007-10-11 09:45:10 · answer #6 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you shouldn't do it yourself, you could negate your policy.
The best way would be to fix the fitting, to the wall, run the wire to the connection point and call a sparky.
I can't imagine it costing more than $50.00 including call out fees.
2007-10-11 09:41:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a solar powered light, these hve no wiring!
2007-10-11 09:40:27 · answer #8 · answered by p h 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋