Removing Existing Luminaires

Most existing lighting systems will resemble the one displayed below in Image 1.

Image 1

Although all lighting and structural supports are not the same, you should be able to remove most existing luminaires with these general steps:



Tools/Materials Needed

  • Adequate lift
  • Wire cutters
  • Penetrating oil
  • Heavy duty straps
  • Impact driver with necessary bits
  • Plier Wrench

Removing Lights

  1. Ensure all power is shut off.
  2. Use wire cutters to cut any wires or cables that attach the lights to the supports or pole.
  3. Apply penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40) to all fasteners that need to be removed. Over time, existing lights can accumulate rust and dirt, making bolts difficult to loosen. Allow the penetrating oil to sit on the fasteners for 5-10 minutes to facilitate easier removal.
  4. Attach heavy-duty ropes or straps to the pivot mount of the light, as shown in Image 1. Secure the other end to the top of the pole. This precaution ensures the light remains safely in place and prevents it from being dropped.
  5. Remove the bolt that allows the light to rotate (labeled Bolt #1 in Image 2). In this example the light has two bolts that attach the pivot mount to the cross bars. Remove bolt #1 and swing the light towards you and as close to the basket of the lift as possible.
  6. Carefully loosen the remaining bolt (labeled Bolt #2 in Image 2) and only remove it when you are ready to safely lift it into the basket with you. Be extremely cautious as these lights can weigh 60-100 lbs. Remove the straps from the top of the pole.
  7. Safely lower the lift as close to the ground as possible. Slowly lower the light to the ground. It is recommended that 1 or 2 people on the ground assist with this step.

Note: If there are two rows of lights, as shown in Image 1, it is recommended to remove the bottom row first to provide easier access to the top row.


Image 2
Step 5








Removing Structural Supports


  1. Use wire cutters to remove any cables that connect the structural supports to the pole.
  2. Apply penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40) to all fasteners that need to be removed. Over time, existing structural supports can accumulate rust and dirt, making bolts difficult to loosen. Allow the penetrating oil to sit on the fasteners for 5-10 minutes to facilitate easier removal.
  3. Remove the junction box and any attached wires or cables. Depending on the existing setup, some junction boxes may not be needed for the MAKO system and can be removed. Consult with M3 Innovation before proceeding with demolition for further guidance.
  4. Remove the bolt securing the crossbar supports to the pole.
  5. Attach heavy-duty ropes or straps to the crossbar, as shown in Image 1. Secure the other end to the basket of the lift. It is recommended that you rest the crossbar on the rail of the lift basket as shown in the videos below. This precaution ensures the crossbar remains safely in place and prevents it from being dropped.
  6. Loosen the two bolts securing the crossbar to the pole. If the bolts are in poor condition, it may be necessary to cut them in order to free the crossbar.
  7. Carefully remove the bolts when ready. Always exercise caution as these supports can be extremely heavy depending on the size of the luminaire.
  8. Safely lower the lift to the as close to the ground as possible. Remove the rope/straps and slowly lower the supports to the ground. It is recommended that 1 or 2 people on the ground assist with this step.

Note: If there are two rows of lights, as shown in Image 1, it is recommended to remove the bottom support first to provide easier access to the top support.





Safety: In older luminaires and junction boxes, bees often create hives. It is recommended to have bee spray readily available or to preemptively spray all potential hive areas.

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