I have an old above-stove light and fan that's seen better days and needs replacing. The new models are shorter, so I plan to paint the wall and cabinets around it first. This will take about a week, and I'm wondering if I can just cap the fixture safely instead of leaving it exposed. I'm comfortable with some DIY tasks but prefer to avoid electrical work unless necessary. Can I handle capping and removing the light myself, or should I hire an electrician? Thanks!
2 Answers
It’s crucial to make sure you're safe. If you're capping the wires, make sure they are securely capped and not just left hanging. Ideally, you should cover the junction with a blank wall plate if you're removing the fixture permanently. Just remember to never leave terminated wires behind drywall, as they can be a fire hazard. If you're unsure at all, calling in an electrician isn't a bad idea!
Yes, you can definitely do this! Just start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker. After that, remove the old fixture and cap the wires with wire nuts. You might want to add some electrical tape for extra security if you're worried about them coming loose. Once that's done, you can paint to your heart's content. When you're ready to install the new fixture, just turn the power back on and follow the usual installation steps.