Chandeliers are an attractive lighting option and use a solid base mounting support on the ceiling that lasts an hour or more. Be sure to take the extra time to install the proper supports as described below if your lamp is heavier than the previous lamp. An assistant is recommended to make this process faster and easier.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing the Old Bulb
Step 1. Turn off the power
Turn off the power to the circuit where the lamp will be installed or remove the fuse to replace the bulb. If the circuit is not labeled, you may have to test it by trial and error until the fixture turns off.
Pay attention to the recorded notes on the circuit box to let others in the house know that you will be working with electrical wiring and that the circuit should not be switched on
Step 2. Make sure the power is turned off
Turn the light switch on and off a few times to make sure there is no electricity running with the bulb at this time. If no bulb is installed in that location, use a non-contact voltage tester or circuit tester to test each wire. You can use a multimeter instead, although this device is more complicated to use.
Follow the instructions carefully when using a multimeter to test voltage. Using the wrong settings can cause you to misread or damage the device
Step 3. Remove the removed part of the old bulb
If the bulbs currently installed include light bulbs, glass lamps, or removable parts, remove them now and place them aside. It becomes easier to remove the bulb without damaging these pieces.
You can skip this step if the bulb is small and you have an assistant to help remove it
Step 4. Remove the old bulb
You may need a screwdriver or wrench to remove the screw or lock the nut and attach the bulb to the ceiling. Make sure you or an assistant have a firm grip on the bulb before you release it from the ceiling. Do not disconnect the cable if it is not finished.
- This step may be much easier with an assistant holding the bulb. A ladder may also be required.
- Don't leave old bulbs hanging without support other than wires. It is likely to cause the bulb to drop and may also damage the cable.
Step 5. Pay attention to how the cables are connected
There should be two or more wires connecting the old bulb to your home's electrical system. It may be color coded with white and black insulation, or identified by a ridge or letter. While full wiring instructions will be provided later in this guide, you may have an easier time if you create a diagram of where each wire is connected. If the wires are not easily distinguishable from one another, mark them with colored tape.
Step 6. Disconnect the cable
Unscrew the plastic wire connector in a counterclockwise fashion and remove the wire. Move the old bulb to a storage area where it won't get in the way of installation.
Method 2 of 3: Installing Support for Your Chandelier
Step 1. Turn off the power
If you don't need to remove the old bulb as described earlier, you probably don't need to turn off the power. Open the electrical panel and turn off the switch or remove the fuse associated with the circuit you will be working on. Make sure the power is turned off by using a circuit tester or by reducing the power to the entire house.
Step 2. Determine the weight of your new lamp
Ceiling mounts are intended for no more than 50 pounds (22.7kg). If the lamp is heavier, you will need to install a fan amplifier or a box that will support the weight of the lamp.
If the current support is considered sufficient to hold your chandelier, you can skip to the next section
Step 3. Remove the existing mounting box
Plastic or metal boxes must be attached to the ceiling or reinforcement using screws or nails. Remove this with a screwdriver or hammer, and pry the box off the ceiling.
It is also referred to as a junction box or electrical box
Step 4. Look at the separate amplifier
If any metal bars are resting above the ceiling, use a quarter hacksaw close to cutting them in half. Pull the two pieces through the hole and discard.
Step 5. If the bulb is between the ceiling joists, use a fan booster
Purchase a fan amplifier rated to withstand the weight of the lamp; some can hold up to 150 pounds (68 kg) in weight. Thread the fan amplifier through the hole in the ceiling and rotate it so that it rests on the ceiling, opposite the hole. Twist the bar between your fingers to extend the arms until you feel both ends making contact with the ceiling joists. Use a wrench to tighten the reinforcement, but do not place tension on the beam by using excessive force. The nailed ends should be dug into the logs, and the rectangular bars should end with the sides parallel to the ceiling.
Place the bracket that came with your fan amplifier over the top of the clamp, with the bolts placed through the holes. Place the mounting box onto the bolt and secure it with the nut fastening
Step 6. If the bulb is under a ceiling joist, use a pancake style box
A heavy junction box is a round metal object sometimes referred to as a "pancake box". Be sure to choose one that can withstand the weight of the lamp. Attach to the ceiling joist using only the high weight capacity screws that came with the box. Do not try to use standard screws, or the chandelier may fall off the ceiling.
Make sure the wires are placed through the holes on the sides of the box before you plug them in. They should be easy to reach once the box is installed
Method 3 of 3: Installing the Chandelier
Step 1. Install the lamp base
Screw all the parts of the chandelier together, except for the canopy which will be attached to the ceiling. Do not install the light bulb as it will be easier and safer to install the chandelier without it.
Step 2. Shorten the chain if necessary
Your chandelier may have more chains than you need. Decide what length of chain you want, then use heavy pliers to open one of the chain links at the selected point and remove any excess length.
- The lamp base should be at least 30 inches (76 cm) above the table surface to reduce the chance of hitting it and to provide good lighting.
- Chandeliers hung in foyer and other locations used by many people should be at least seven feet above the floor, and out of the way of high doors.
Step 3. Attach the mounting extension socket to the mounting box
A small metal rod with a hole in it should be attached to your lamp, or there may be one already installed. They are also available at hardware stores.
To install a mounting extension socket, screw into the junction box in the existing screw holes, the placement is different from the junction box design. Be sure to use screws of the correct size to secure the connection
Step 4. Connect the lamp wires through each part of the lamp
Connect all light wires through each of the other chain links. Continue connecting them through the metal canopy that will cover the electrical box, hold the small chain attached to the top of the chain, and finally the thin metal nipple with the wires held together. They have to be fully extended through the nipple, quite difficult for you to work with easily.
Step 5. Install the lamp
To attach each of the wires, you will need to have a stable lamp in place near the ceiling. Either have a strong assistant hold the lamp in place, or hang the chain or chain holder from a strong hook hanging from the mounting extension socket.
Step 6. Wrap each bare copper wire around the anvil screw
Both your lights and your home's electrical system should have bare copper ground wire. Each should be wrapped around the grounding screw attached to your junction box, making sure the two wires are in contact with each other. This screw is green.
The ground wire sends excess current to ground (or another safe location) in the event of a fault
Step 7. Peel the insulated end of the lamp wire
Use a wire stripper to peel about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) of insulation from each wire, so that the bare wire is exposed.
Step 8. Connect the neutral wires together
The neutral wire carries current to ground in normal use. Look for light wires that have identifying marks such as grooves, backs, or letters. Place the bare ends of these wires together with the ends of the insulated white wire through the junction box, and twist them together with the wire connectors.
- You can choose to connect the cables yourself and cover the joints completely with electrical tape instead.
- If the ceiling wires do not have white insulation, you may need to refer to your old lamp diagram that you created in the previous section and determine which lamp wire is neutral (with identification markings as described above).
Step 9. Join the hot wires together
This is the wire that carries the current to the chandelier. The black insulated ceiling wire must be joined with the insulated lamp wire without identification marks and must be connected in the same way. Twist the bare ends together with the plastic wire connector.
If there are more wires than listed here, or the number of wires in the lamp and junction box doesn't match, you may need to call an electrician to install the system safely
Step 10. Bolt the lamp in place
After installing and installing the chandelier wire, screw in the bolts or lock nuts to secure it to the ceiling. This process may vary according to the model of your chandelier, so you may need to read the instructions to find the spots.
Step 11. Test the lamp
Install the lamp, turn on the power and test the lamp. If it doesn't turn on, you may have connected the wrong cable. Be sure to turn off the power before attempting to replace the cable connection. Call an electrician if you can't do it yourself.
Tips
- You may notice a hole in the ceiling near the existing bulb to move it a few inches or centimeters, close enough that you can use the same wire. Keep in mind this will require installing supports, as well as repairing holes left by old bulbs. Make sure the holes you see are the correct size to fit your junction box.
- Ask someone to help you during the process to make installation faster and reduce the chances of breaking the chandelier.
Warning
- A person's ability to hold a lamp depends on its weight. Don't trust a weak or frail person to lift the chandelier.
- Do not mount the lamp directly into place. Lift it up, connect the cable and then snap it in place.
- The installation of the chandelier varies from model to model. Read the installation guide before installing the chandelier.
