Installing a Hanging Fixture
Lighting fixtures impact the ambience of a room, not only
because of the quality of light they produce, but because of
their appearance. This is especially true of chandeliers because
they are prominent room features.
Although the term "chandelier" may bring to mind ornate lights
with sparkling crystals, for practical purposes it includes any
ceiling-mounted fixture that hangs from a chain or wire. This
includes an incredibly wide range of hanging fixtures that
complement any decor, from Early-American candle types to
stained-glass Arts-and-Crafts designs.
All ceiling-mounted fixtures are installed similarly, regardless
of style. Your biggest issue is determining if the electric box
that houses the wiring connections in the ceiling will support
the weight of the chandelier you have chosen. If you replace a
hanging fixture with a fixture about the same weight, the
existing box is probably fine. If the new fixture is heavier
than the old one, you may need to replace the ceiling box with a
fan box rated to hold more weight. If you put in a new box, make
sure it's rated for a heavy fixture.
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Step One
Assemble the Canopy and Hanging Hardware
Set aside any components that can be installed after the fixture
is hanging (globes, glass panels, lightbulbs, etc.). Follow the
specific instructions provided with the fixture. Remember to
slide any necessary parts over the wiring and hanging chain.
Support the fixture close to the ceiling by screwing a platform
to the top of a stepladder with a few drywall screws. This
provides a good work surface and should put the chandelier close
enough to the ceiling to allow you to do the wiring without
having to hold the chandelier in midair. Having a second person
on a second ladder may also work, but coordinating your
movements can be difficult with a heavy fixture.
Fixtures usually come with a new mounting strap - a strip of
metal that screws into the junction box in the ceiling. You can
often use the existing strap, but if not, unscrew the old strap,
and screw the new strap in place.
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Step Two
Connect the Wiring
Check the supply wires for fraying or damage. If necessary, cut
the wires and strip off about 3/4 inch of insulation. On older
fixtures, like this one, the wires aren't color coded. Connect
one fixture wire to the black supply wire and the other fixture
wire to the white supply wire. Newer fixtures have a black and a
white wire. Twist the bare end of the black supply wire together
with the bare end of the black fixture wire, then twist on a
wire nut. Repeat with the white wires. Carefully tuck the wires
into the junction box. Put a bulb in the fixture and check that
connections work before finishing.
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Step Three
Hang the Fixture
Thread the fixture's mounting stem into the mounting strap on
the ceiling box. Although the fixture is now securely hanging
from the ceiling, the box and mounting hardware are still
visible. Slide the canopy up against the ceiling to cover the
mounting hardware; tighten the locknut against the canopy.
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Skill Scale
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Varies
- Time Required
- Experienced: 3 hrs.
Handy: 6 hrs.
Novice: 8 hrs.
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Shopping List:-
tools
Screwdriver
Ladder with support platform
Wire stripper
materials
Chandelier
Wire nuts, electrician's tape
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