Things You'll Need:
- Screwdriver
- Wire snipper with rubber-insulated handles
- Ladder
- Chandelier
- Pliers with rubber-insulated handles
- Circuit tester
- Mounting strap
- Junction box (if necessary)
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Step 1
Determine the weight of your new chandelier. If it nearly matches the weight of your current lighting fixture, do not replace the ceiling junction box. However, if the chandelier is heavier than your current fixture, purchase and install a junction box that will support the chandelier's weight.
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Step 2
Shut off power to the circuit feeding the chandelier. Use a circuit tester to verify the electricity is off.
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Step 3
Remove the old light fixture. As you are performing this step, note how the fixture was installed and mark the wires with tape.
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Step 4
If necessary, install the new junction box now.
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Step 5
Attach the hardware from the new chandelier to the mounting strap. If there is no mounting strap, install one.
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Step 6
Screw the mounting strap to the junction box.
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Step 7
Wire the new chandelier in the same manner as the former fixture. Connect wires with matching colors (for example, black to black, white to white, etc.). Remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from each new wire before attaching it to the corresponding ceiling wire.
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Step 8
Once you have twisted the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, twist on wire nuts clockwise.
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Step 9
Follow the manufacturer's directions to complete this process.
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Step 10
If you are installing the chandelier in a dining room or kitchen, make sure the chandelier hangs at least thirty inches above any table you might place under it. Your chandelier should measure twelve inches less in diameter than the width of the table.
