New Orleans is popular for a lot of reasons, but some of master electrician Heath Eastman’s favorites are the architecture and lighting fixtures. After visiting a local shop to see how local lanterns are made, Heath grabs a pair of lanterns to solve a homeowner’s lighting issues. With the help of a local electrician, the three install the perfect lights for the home.
How to Install a New Orleans-Style Lantern
- First, shut off the breaker to the light fixture. Make sure to verify that the light is off with a voltage tester.
- Carefully remove the existing fixture by loosening the screws or cap nuts holding the fixture to the wall. Use the pen tester again to verify that the wires are not energized. Once verified, remove the wire nuts and disconnect the light.
- Inspect the existing penetration. There may not be a junction box, in which case you’ll need to install one. Also, look for signs of pests and critters that may have gotten behind the old light fixture.
- Install a wire connector through the vinyl mounting block and slide the existing wires through the connector. Place the mounting block on the wall and mark the fastener locations on the wall.
- Carefully move the junction box aside (or drill through it) and drill pilot holes into the siding for the mounting block. Squeeze silicone sealant along the back of the mounting block and fasten it to the wall. Once secure, caulk along the outside of the mounting block to prevent pests.
- Slide the extension cover over the existing wires and mounting block and fasten it in place. Drill a ¾-inch hole through the copper cover plate and install a wire connector to protect the wires from the sharp edges. Install the copper cover plate over the extension.
- Wire the new light fixture to the old wire set. The smooth wire on the fixture attaches to the black house wire, while the ribbed wire attaches to the white wire. Use a grounding wire cap to create a long loop and attach it directly to the copper extension cover as well as to the ground wire in the fixture and the grounded wire.
- Hold the lantern in place and mark the copper cover plate for fasteners. Carefully drill pilot holes through the mounting location and install the fixture with the supplied hardware.
- Install the bulb and turn on the breaker to ensure it works. Install the globe over the top to protect the bulb and match the fixture with the New Orleans charm.
Materials
- Vinyl mounting block and junction box
- Wire connector
- Silicon sealant
- Junction box extension
- Copper extension cover
- Wire nuts
- Machine screws
- Grommet
- GRK multi-purpose screws
Tools
Tools & Materials
Resources
Electrical components:
- NM connector, used for connecting electrical wires
- Wire caps
Installation accessories:
- Silicone caulk
- 8-32 machine screws (standard for light fixtures): Used to secure light fixtures.
- Grommet
- GRK multi-purpose screws
Drilling tools:
