How to Attach a Canopy to a Ceiling

Light fixtures are made of lightweight metal, easing the mounting process.

A canopy is the part of the light fixture that covers the electrical box in the ceiling. Usually light fixtures are sold with a canopy that matches the finish and style of the fixture. Most light fixture canopies are round and made of thin, lightweight metal. This makes canopies easier to mount. If a light fixture is purchased without a canopy, most hardware stores sell a variety of generic canopies in many finishes to allow you to add the canopy and create a finished look.

Things You'll Need

• Straps
• Hickeys
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Wrenches

Instructions

1. Turn your canopy upside down and see if it has a center hole. Some lightweight canopies do not use a center stud, instead, they are mounted with a crossbar assembly (strap).

2. Position your strap so that the dipped, center portion of the strap faces down. Complete your wiring to the side of the strap. Attach the strap to the ceiling electrical box, using screws through the strap into the threaded holes in the electrical box. Slide the canopy over the strap and screw the canopy into the strap, using the decorative screws that came with the canopy and a screwdriver.

3. Turn your strap so that the center portion faces upward if your light fixture has a ceiling outlet box center fixture stud. (The center fixture stud protrudes downward from the ceiling side). Slide the center hole of the strap over the fixture stud and tighten with a lock nut. Complete your wiring to the side of the strap. Slide the canopy over the strap and screw the canopy into the strap, using the decorative screws that came with the canopy.

4. Mount heavier drop fixtures with a hickey. A hickey is a metal connector that is roughly C shaped. Slide the top of the hickey over the ceiling outlet box center fixture stud and tighten with a lock nut. Thread the unconnected wires from the fixture through the collar (a small round piece), through the hole in the bottom of the canopy, through the threaded nipple, through the bottom of the hickey and lock nut. Complete your wiring to the side of the hickey. Tighten the bottom of the hickey to the nipple with a lock nut so that the canopy assembly is secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Larger and heavier fixtures often use much more elaborate mounting techniques and equipment. Use the correct type for your light fixture.

References

• Aubuchon Hardware: How to Install a Light Fixture