How to Rewire a Chandelier to a Plug-In
If you've purchased or otherwise acquired a chandelier, but don't want to wire it directly into the ceiling, your best option is to rewire the chandelier. The process is less complicated than it sounds; you'll only be working with the end of the chandelier cord, so there's no need to disassemble and reassemble the chandelier's components. Once you've rewired your traditional chandelier to a plug-in version of itself, also known as a "swag chandelier," hide the hanging cord and chain with a cord cover to create a finished look. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Chain with opening links
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Wire stripper
- Swag lamp kit
- Electrical tape
- Stud finder
- Hook with threaded end
Instructions
-
-
1
Open the end of the chain with your needle nose pliers to add extra chain, if necessary.
-
2
Feed the new wire, which was included with your swag lamp kit, through the chandelier chain, going through every three or four links, until you meet the original cord; since there is a plug at the end of the new wire, this step would be impossible to complete if you waited until the end of the project.
-
-
3
Strip the insulation surrounding the last inch of the two wires from which the chandelier hangs. To strip the wires, insert the wire into the appropriate hole on the stripper, close the stripper and then pull and twist the wire.
-
4
Connect these two wires to the exposed wire at the end of your new cord, using the wire connectors or wire nuts that came with the swag lamp kit; accomplish this by twisting the white wires together and the black wires together in a spiral, using the needle nosed pliers. Connect like colors together if your wires are some other color than white and black. Wrap your work neatly with electrical tape.
-
5
Find a stud in the ceiling with a stud finder. Screw the hook directly into the stud. Hang your lamp by the chain and from the hook to complete the project.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Attach a second hook to the ceiling next to the wall and above an outlet to corral the cord and create a neater appearance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Chandelier image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
