subject: Some Usefull Tips Before Installing Chandelier. [print this page] Youve brought home your beautiful new chandelier youve worked out where you want it, but firstly, how on earth do you get it up there?
Well, its easier than you might think.
As well as an extra pair of hands (Always a must when carrying out a task such as this. Not literally having an extra pair of hands, obviously that would be a bit odd) you will need:
Electrical tape
Wire cutters
Adjustable wrench
Pencil (for marking)
Screwdrivers (flat head and Phillips)
Ladder (depending on where you'll hang the chandelier)
Pliers
1.Firstly, cut the electrical power to the circuit. It may appear to be stating the obvious, but safety is paramount when attempting to install anything electrical in your home. Use a circuit tester to check the power is off.
2.Next, figure out the weight of your new chandelier. If it weighs about as much as your old ceiling lights fixture, you wont have to replace the ceiling junction box. This is an empty metal or plastic open-ended container connected to an electrical conduit, wiring, and a fixture or device like an outlet. This can also be used to make wire connections and then can be finished with a blank cover. If your new chandelier is heavier, buy a junction box which will support its weight.
3.Remove the old ceiling lights, noting how the fixture was originally installed and marking the wires with tape.
4.If a new junction box is needed, install it.
5.Attach the new hardware from the chandelier to the mounting strap. If there isnt one there, find one and install it.
6.Screw the mounting strap to the junction box.
7.Wire the new chandelier in the same manner as the old light fixture, making sure you connect matching colors (e.g., black to black, white to white). Remove about a half-inch of insulation from each new wire before attaching it to the ceiling wires. Dont forget your wire huts. Use the manufacturer's instruction for the new chandelier to complete the rest of the installation.
8.Once you have twisted the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, twist on wire nuts in a clockwise direction.
9.Attach the canopy, and screw in the bulbs (Try not to use your fingers as oil from your skin can damage the glass - good trick is to hold the foam or cushioning material while you're putting the bulb in, and attach the shades. Check the light's installation instructions for specific details.
10.If in doubt, always follow the manufacturers instructions. Chandeliers can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so take this into account and remember safety first! Additionally, remember that your chandelier should hang at least 30 inches from the table if you are installing it in a dining room, and its diameter should be at least 12 inches narrower than the width of the table.
