Replace an Exterior Porch Light

Tools

• ✓
  Step ladder
• ✓
  Voltage tester
• ✓
  Phillips screwdriver
• ✓
  Wire strippers
• ✓
  Caulk gun

Materials

• +
  Replacement exterior fixture

  Wet-location rated. Check the spec for "wet" vs "damp" — wet means direct exposure, damp means under an overhang only.
• +
  Wire nuts (often included)
• +
  Exterior silicone caulk

  For sealing the fixture base to the wall after install

Steps

1. 1

   Kill power and verify

   Breaker off. Test with voltage tester at the wires once the old fixture is partially loose.

2. 2

   Remove old fixture

   Unscrew the canopy from the wall — usually 2 screws. Lower it gently; wires keep it tethered.

3. 3

   Disconnect wires

   Unscrew the wire nuts holding black-to-black, white-to-white, and the ground connection. Photo the layout before disconnecting.

4. 4

   Install new bracket

   Most fixtures ship with their own crossbar — swap to the new one and screw it to the metal box.

5. 5

   Connect wires

   Black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), ground to the green or bare ground screw. Twist each wire pair clockwise into a wire nut.

6. 6

   Mount and seal

   Push wires into the box, position the new fixture against the wall, screw in. Run a thin bead of exterior silicone along the top and sides of the fixture base where it meets the wall (skip the bottom — that's your weep drain).

7. 7

   Restore power and test

   Breaker back on. Flip switch. If nothing — power off, recheck wire connections.