Updated 2019
We recently replaced two old fluorescent fixtures in our kitchen. Each removal required slightly different techniques because one location didn’t have a proper fixture box in the ceiling — just wires poking through the drywall. Below we describe two straightforward approaches for replacing fluorescent lighting with a pendant or flush-mount fixture, including installing an “old work” ceiling box when needed.
Removing a Large Fluorescent Light Fixture
We started with the large fluorescent above the stove. The process was simple if you follow basic safety and a few clear steps:
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Always switch off the circuit at the electrical panel, not just the wall switch. This prevents someone from accidentally turning the light back on while you’re working. For extra safety, verify the circuit is dead with a voltage detector before touching any wires.
Step 2: Remove the Plastic Shade and Tubes
We snapped off the plastic diffuser and removed the long fluorescent tubes, setting them aside to avoid breakage.
Step 3: Detach the Metal Panel
After removing the diffuser, we popped out the metal panel that covered the wiring. The supply wires in our ceiling entered through the center of the fixture, which made the job easier. If the wires enter at one end, repositioning or extending the fixture box can be more involved.
Step 4: Disconnect the Wiring
With the breaker off, we removed the wire nuts and disconnected the fixture leads from the ceiling leads. There was no need to alter internal ballast wiring—just separate the house wires from the fixture wires.
Step 5: Unscrew and Remove the Fixture
The fixture was held by two large screws on each end. After removing them, the entire unit came down easily.
If the old fixture is still in usable condition, consider donating it to a local reuse center or restore.
Step 6: Patch and Paint
New fixtures often don’t line up exactly with old screw holes or stains. Spackle the screw holes and any damaged drywall, prime the raw areas, and repaint the ceiling to blend and refresh the surface.
Installing a Pendant or Flush-Mount Fixture
With the old fluorescent removed, you can install a pendant, semi-flush, or flush-mount fixture. We chose a burlap quatrefoil shade on a dual-bulb pendant. If you’re not comfortable completing electrical work, hire an electrician. But if you followed the removal steps and are confident, the installation is straightforward.
Note: always keep the circuit off while wiring.
Step 1: Trim Excess Cord
We wanted the pendant to sit nearly flush, so we trimmed excess cord before connecting. Many pendants allow you to shorten the cord to the desired length.
Step 2: Strip the Wires
Use wire strippers to expose the conductor tips so they can be joined to the ceiling wires with wire nuts.
Step 3: Mount and Connect
Attach the fixture’s mounting bracket to the existing ceiling box, connect the matching wires (hot to hot, neutral to neutral, ground to ground) with wire nuts, tuck the connections into the box, secure the canopy, and fasten any decorative screws. Restore power at the panel and test the light.
After painting and patching, the new pendant blended cleanly into the ceiling with no visible trace of the old fixture.
Next we removed the smaller fluorescent above the sink. This one had been tucked behind cabinetry and exposed a different issue: there was no fixture box, only a hole with wires protruding. That required installing an “old work” ceiling box before putting up the new pendant.
Installing an “Old Work” Ceiling Box
Old work boxes are designed for retrofit installations where there is no access to a joist or stud. They clamp to the drywall with spring-out wings when screws on the box face are tightened. They’re not intended for heavy fixtures, but many lightweight pendants are safely held by well-installed old work boxes.
Step 1: Confirm Power Is Off
Turn the breaker off at the panel and verify with a voltage tester before proceeding.
Step 2: Mark the Hole Location
Use the provided template or create one slightly smaller than the box lip. Position it so wires exit through the center of the opening.
Step 3: Cut the Hole
Trace the template and cut the drywall opening with a drywall jab saw or similar tool.
Step 4: Feed and Trim the Wires
Push the supply cable through the back of the box and trim or strip the conductors to the appropriate length for connection.
Step 5: Tighten the Clamp Screws
Screw the face screws to swing the wings out and clamp the box to the drywall until it is snug and secure.
Step 6: Mount the Fixture
With the new box in place, mount your lightweight pendant by following the manufacturer’s instructions: attach the bracket, connect hot, neutral, and ground, tuck the wires into the box, and fasten the canopy. Restore power and test the fixture.
We later replaced the old bulbs in the house with LED lamps to save energy and reduce replacement frequency. LEDs provide efficient, warm light and lower electricity use.
Finally, we primed and painted the patched ceiling areas to match the rest of the room. We used a flat white to refresh and unify the look, then completed touch-ups around molding and trim. The painted ceiling made the kitchen feel much brighter and cleaner.
Removing old fluorescents and installing more attractive, efficient fixtures made a noticeable difference. If you’re tackling a similar project: turn off the power, take your time with wiring connections, and install a proper fixture box if one isn’t present. For heavy fixtures, fasten to a structural member or consult an electrician.
- Remove wallpaper (complete)
- Move fridge cabinet forward (complete)
- Remove upper cabinets on window wall to prep for open shelves (complete)
- Reinstall crown molding (complete)
- Prime & paint the pantry and the garage door (complete)
- Prime & paint trim, crown molding, & baseboards (complete)
- Prime & paint paneling (complete)
- Prime and paint the walls (complete)
- Install a cheap range hood to lighten up that wall
- Patch, prime, and paint the ceiling (complete)
- Replace fluorescent lights and add new pendants (complete)
- Hang floating shelves on the window wall
- Paint the cabinets
- Update cabinet hinges and knobs
- Consider a rug for the eat-in area and window curtains
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