## How to Remove Kitchen Sink Light Fixtures
Kitchen sink light fixtures are an essential part of any kitchen, providing both task lighting for food preparation and ambient lighting for the entire room. However, over time, these fixtures can become outdated or damaged, requiring replacement. Removing a kitchen sink light fixture is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps.
**Required Tools and Materials:**
– Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the fixture)
– Pliers
– Wire cutters
– Electrical tape
– New light fixture (optional)
**Safety Precautions:**
Before beginning any electrical work, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
– Turn off the power to the fixture at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
– Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
– Do not attempt to remove a light fixture if you are not comfortable working with electricity.
### Step 1: Remove the Globe and Bulb
Start by removing the glass globe that covers the light bulb. This is typically held in place by a metal ring that can be unscrewed by hand. Once the globe is removed, unscrew the light bulb and set it aside.
### Step 2: Disconnect the Wires
Inside the fixture, you will see three wires: a black wire (hot), a white wire (neutral), and a green or bare copper wire (ground). Using a pair of pliers, gently twist and pull each wire to disconnect it from the fixture.
### Step 3: Remove the Mounting Screws
Once the wires are disconnected, locate the mounting screws that hold the fixture in place. These screws are typically located on either side of the fixture base. Remove the screws and carefully detach the fixture from the ceiling.
### Step 4: Remove the Junction Box
The fixture is now disconnected from the wires and the ceiling. However, it is still attached to the junction box, which is where the wires are connected. Locate the screws that hold the junction box in place and remove them. This will release the junction box and allow you to pull the fixture completely free.
### Step 5: Disconnect the Wires from the Junction Box
Once the junction box is removed, you will see the wires that were previously connected to the fixture. Carefully disconnect these wires from the junction box, using a pair of wire cutters to snip them if necessary.
### Step 6: Install the New Fixture (Optional)
If you are replacing the old fixture with a new one, follow the instructions that come with the new fixture to install it. This typically involves attaching the fixture to the junction box, connecting the wires, and mounting the fixture to the ceiling.
### Step 7: Turn on the Power and Test the Fixture
Once the new fixture is installed, turn on the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box and test the fixture to make sure it is working properly.
**Tips:**
– If you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to remove the fixture for you.
– If the wires are brittle or damaged, they should be replaced before installing the new fixture.
– It is important to use electrical tape to insulate the wires properly after disconnecting them from the fixture.
– If you are replacing the fixture with a different type of light, such as a recessed light, you may need to make modifications to the ceiling to accommodate the new fixture.