How To Install Fluorescent Lights

Use our step-by-step DIY guide to install fluorescent lights in your outdoor area.

How To Install Fluorescent Lighting

You will have to start by using a stud finder to locate ceiling joists in order to mount a traditional fluorescent ceiling fixture. You can use toggle bolts to anchor the lights to the drywall if you can’t locate the proper area on the ceiling.

Shut the power off prior to this task and ensure you have the proper drill and hardware available.

Step 1. Remove Cover

• Start by removing the cover and making any connections within your fixture.
• Always use the manufacturer’s instructions for this part of the process.
• Using wire nuts for splices is recommended.
• It’s possible that you’ll need to add a grounding jumper and pigtails in order to bridge any areas between the internal fixture wires and where the cable enters.

Step 2. Open Up A Knockout In The Fixture Canopy

• Open up a knockout in the fixture canopy.
• Feed the incoming wires through the hole.
• The fixture will be mounted directly beneath a ceiling box.
• If this is not the case, then plan on securing the cable to a smaller knockout using a metal cable clamp.

Step 3. Screw Through Fixture Canopy

• Drive the screws through the fixture canopy all the way into the ceiling joists, if possible.
• If your joists fail to align properly with the fixture, try securing the fixture to the ceiling materials.
• Use toggle bolts for this portion.

Step 4. Splice The Fixture

• Splice the black lead of the fixture to the circuit’s black hot wire.
• Do the same to the white fixture lead to the incoming white neutral wire.
• Next, wrap it around the fixture’s grounding screw.
• Tighten the screw to firmly secure this.

Step 5. Secure Lights Into Tube Holders

• Place the ends of the fluorescent tubes into your tube holders.
• Add the diffusing panel atop the tubes.
• Diffusing panels will generally snap right into place.
• Restore the power.
• Test your new fluorescent lighting.