How to Hang a Chandelier Light
A chandelier changes the looks of overhead lighting instantly. Chandeliers may range in size and shape from small utilitarian styles with four or five lights, to elaborate structures with many lights and additional crystal facets to reflect the light back into the room. As long as there is adequate support for the chandelier and electrical wiring in place, chandelier installation is a relatively simple task for a do-it-yourselfer. If new wiring is necessary in the ceiling, most municipalities require that a licensed electrician perform the task in order to meet building codes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Screwdriver
- Electrical tester
- Hacksaw
- Electrical box
- Wrench
- Hex driver
- Wire nuts
Instructions
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1
Turn off the electricity to the overhead light at the breaker box. Flip the light switch in the room "on" and "off" to confirm there is no power to the light.
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2
Climb up on the ladder beneath the old light. Unscrew the screws holding the chandelier canopy in place. This is the large bowl-shaped object that fits against the ceiling and holds the old light in place. Lower the old light fixture enough to unfasten the electrical wiring. Twist off the wire nuts holding the wiring in place. Use an electrical tester to once again confirm there is no power running through the electrical lines to the light fixture. Set the old fixture out of the way.
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3
Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the old electrical box in the ceiling. If something other than an electrical box was holding the light fixture, you may need to use a small hacksaw to cut it out.
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4
Twist the chandelier support bar so it is as short as possible. Slide it into the ceiling cavity. Position the prongs on each end against ceiling joists. Use a wrench to twist the support bar to extend it against the joists. Don't over tighten the brace or you may cause cracks in the ceiling.
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5
Slide the electrical cable into the new electrical box. Tighten the connector screws to hold the cable securely.
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6
Position the U-bolt that comes with the light so that the bolt hooks over the brace. Slide the two legs of the bolt into the electrical box and attach their hex nuts with a hex driver.
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7
Connect the nipple connector from the light's installation kit into the chain holder on the chandelier, and then connect it to the chandelier-mounting bar. Run the wires for the chandelier through the nipple. Raise the chandelier and connect the mounting bar to the electrical box.
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8
Secure the light's copper ground wire to the ground screw by wrapping it around the post of the screw. Tighten the screw. Connect the black wires from the ceiling to the black wires of the chandelier, and then connect the white wires. Use wire nuts to secure the connections.
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9
Position the chandelier canopy against the ceiling. Put the screws in place to hold the canopy securely.
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10
Put light bulbs in the chandelier. Set the chandelier's shades in place. Turn electricity back on to the chandelier to finish the project.
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Tips & Warnings
If the old light fixture or new chandelier is heavy, plan on having someone help you lower and raise the lights into position.
Hang a chandelier 30 to 34 inches above a table with 8-foot ceilings. Allow an additional 3 inches above the table per additional foot of ceiling height.
Chandeliers that weigh more than 50 pounds may need additional ceiling support.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
