How to Safely Replace a Ceiling Light | Ask This Old House

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Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman clarifies the temperature rating system for ceiling lights and then installs one for a homeowner SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse Time: 2-3 hours Cost: $200 Skill Level: Expert Tools List for Replacing a Ceiling Light: Screwdriver [https://amzn.to/2tKpFWn] Pliers [https://amzn.to/2Guemod] Shopping List: Temperature-Rated ceiling light [https://amzn.to/2TQwiRF] NM-B cable [https://amzn.to/2v9sxwf] Junction box [https://amzn.to/2Rm99oI] Wire nuts [https://amzn.to/2RF7464] Steps: 1. Heath starts by explaining why ceiling fixtures are temperature rated and what that means: a. Houses built before 1985 used wires that could withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius. b. Certain lightbulbs generate more heat than 60 degrees, so over time, those wires could fray and crack, causing an arc, which could create a fire. c. After 1985, they changed the code so that wires needed to be rated to withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius, which is common for most modern fixtures. d. To determine which type of wiring you have, look at the cable. i. Cloth wire is not rated for 90 degrees. ii. Plastic wire with the words “Type NM” printed on them are rated up to 60 degrees. iii. Plastic wire with the words “Type NM-B” printed on them are rated up to 90 degrees. 2. Shut the power off at the breaker. 3. Remove the old light fixture using a screwdriver. The wiring will need to be disconne

Published 2020-01-27 · Watch on YouTube ↗
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