This article will give you a step-by-step guide on how to replace LED ceiling light along with helpful images. We will discuss everything on this topic – what tools are required, how to properly replace them, what you’ll see after you open a recessed ceiling light, and what you need to throw outside.
Ceiling LED lights are the most effective and commonly used lighting solution for residential and commercial properties. On average, these Recessed LEDs run for up to 40,000 to 50,000 hours, depending on certain circumstances.
But after years of use, LED ceiling lights become dim or fade and do not provide desired brightness for rooms. As a result your dimmable LED will keep flashing. In such cases, you have to change led bulb in the recessed ceiling light.
Replacing led ceiling lights is as easy as changing a bulb. However, it is slightly different as there are several types of LED ceiling light fixtures available in the market.
And removing these recessed ceiling lights is slightly different for each one of them.
See the below set of images to quickly know how to remove ceiling light step-by-step:
But, don’t get stop here only. There is a lot learn more about it. For example, how to properly attach the lights, different parts inside the LED ceiling light, which color of bulb should be connected to which color of the ceiling, etc.
Sidenote: If you are using LED light strips in your room and keep falling off, here’s a detailed guide on How to Keep LED Light Strips From Falling Off?
What will I notice when I open my LED ceiling light casing?
After removing the LED ceiling light casing, you’ll notice various parts. These parts are important to understand so that you can replace recessed lighting properly in your home.
When you’ll open your LED recessed ceiling light, you’ll notice:
- Cover or lens: The first thing that you’ll notice is the cover of the ceiling light. You’ll have to remove the cover to access the internal component of LED ceiling light.
- A few screws: Once, you open the screws, you’ll likely notice a set of screws attached to the bulbs, wires, and the bulb.
- Cable connector: When you open your LED ceiling light, you’ll also notice a cable connector. This connector helps to supply electricity to the internal component of the device.
- A driver box: A driver is basically an electric component that AC current to DC current and regulates the voltage of the bulb.
- Bulb: Finally, you’ll notice a bulb attached to the ceiling light.
The parts discussed above were the most common things you might notice while opening the recessed LED ceiling light. However, please note that these parts may vary according to the brand and model.
What type of LED ceiling light do I have?
Before replacing recessed light bulbs, you should know what type of casing your LED have.
The casing is the cover that covers the ceiling light and its internal components. Now, there are basically two types of casing – screwed and spring-loaded.
If the casing is installed using screws, use tools, like a screwdriver, to unscrew them. On the other hand, if the casing is spring-loaded, pull out the one side bolt and remove the cover.
Also, while replacing led ceiling lights, note the type of light. There are basically two types of ceiling light fixtures:
- Fluorescent light
- LED light
Make sure the replacement bulb you are using is compatible with the fixture. For example, LED light bulbs in fluorescent light fixtures aren’t compatible. And, hence, it may not work.
How to connect live, neutral, and earth wire?
The old ceiling LED light comes with three primary electrical ports for wires, – live wire(usually brown), neutral wire(usually blue), and earth wire or ground wire(usually green).
While connecting the wires of LED light to the ceiling fixture, make sure the live wire of light is connected to the live wire of the ceiling, the neutral wire of light is connected to the neutral wire of the ceiling, and the earth wire of the light bulb is connected to the earth wire of ceiling fixture.
Although, one important thing to note here is that the modern light fixtures and recessed LED bulbs come with pre-attached cable connectors. In such LED lights, you won’t have to worry about the color coding of the cables.
Simply, connect the two connectors together and the light will be connected to the power supply.
How to replace LED ceiling lights? Step-by-step guide
To change recessed light bulb, first, turn off the light connection from the main power supply to avoid any electrical hazard. Once that’s done, use your finger to slightly pull the cover casing of the LED fixture. Once you can see the internal components of the fixture, disconnect the cable connectors. Finally, bring your new LED light and fix it back to the fixture.
Please check our below step-by-step on recessed lighting replacement:
Step 1: Turn off the light connection from the power supply
It is very-very important to disconnect the light fixture from the main power socket. It can be dangerous to work with LED lights.
So go to the power socket and toggle the switch to off it. It will help to cool down the light before replacing it. Additionally, it will keep you safe from any electrical hazard.
After you’ve switched off the light from the main power supply, let it cool down for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Use fingers to pull down the LED ceiling cover
A cover is the upper body of the recessed LED ceiling light fixture that covers the internal components. This cover protects the LED and its connection.
Now, removing the cover depends on particular models. There are basically two types of LED covers available in the market:
- With spring(usually “V” shaped)
- Or with magnetic screws
The majority of the cover is equipped using two(or either one) “V” shaped springs. They are easy to remove. All you have to do is press the “V” shaped spring and take out the trim fixture.
The other type of trim or cover is basically equipped with magnetic screws. You need a screwdriver to remove such types of LED fixtures.
There is one more type of LED fixture which is screwable. All you have to do is twist the LED bulb clockwise and the fixture may come out easily. Since LED lights are usually flat or a little bulky, it can difficult to create a grip.
In such cases, use duct tape and apply pressure to remove the cover.
Step 3: Unplug the cable connector
Most of the LED fixture comes with cable connectors between ceiling wires and light bulb. So pull off the connector to remove the bulb from the ceiling.
Once you’ll disconnect the cable connector, you can easily pull off the whole LED bulb.
Step 4: Replace the LED ceiling light
Once you’ve disconnected the cable connector, it’s time to replace the light with the new one.
Read the wattage of your new bulb to ensure the replacement is perfect. Now, connect the cable connector to the ceiling light fixture. Make sure you connect the wires properly or else the light won’t turn on.
As we discussed earlier, you need to connect live wire with live, neutral wire with neutral, and earth wire with the earth wire.
Once that’s done, let’s move on to the next and final step.
Step 5: Push the LED trim back on the ceiling
Once you’ve connected the cable connector with the new LED light bulb, it’s finally time to push the LED ceiling trim back to it’s position.
All you’ve to do is gently push the trim upward and it should get attached easily. In case, there is some spring or “V” shaped clip to fix the cover, use that.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
LED ceiling lights may not burn out like regular bulbs. Instead, the light starts dimming and loses its brightness. However, it is a common problem after years of use.
Yes, you can easily replace LED lights from its ceiling fixture. The process of replacing is common in most ceiling LED lights. Still, it’s better to go through our guide for the process.
The cover or casing protects the housing LED from outside damage. This cover is mainly equipped with springs or screws. So remove a LED light cover according to its fixture.
Professionals may charge $80 to $100 per hour to replace ceiling LED lights. On average, The installation takes two to three hours to proceed. So the total cost can reach up to $200-$250.
Conclusion
So above is a detailed guide about how to replace LED ceiling light. We hope you get all the required answers related to the topic.
Remember, these lights are equipped with trims and covers. And, changing LED ceiling isn’t too hard. Just by following our simple-to-follow step-by-step procedure, you can easily replace it.
All you’ve to do is to turn off the light from the main power supply, remove the trim and disconnect the cable connector. Once that’s done, get your new LED bulb and re-connect the connector. Finally, push the cover trim back to it’s place.
