From a modern globe to a traditional light fixture, chandelier lighting can add dazzling style and sophistication to your home. Despite its impressive appearance, installing a chandelier is a doable afternoon task. Installing a chandelier comes with a few challenges, but with a little electrical know-how, the right tools, and this handy guide, you can illuminate your space in just a few hours.
Prepping to Install a Chandelier
Before starting any electrical project, make sure to turn off the power at the source—simply flicking the switch off isn’t enough. At the electrical panel, turn off the breaker that powers where your chandelier will go. To verify that there’s no power in the circuit, use a voltage meter on the fixture.
Remove the Old Light Fixture (if Necessary)
If you don’t already have a light fixture in place, you can skip this step. If you need to remove an existing chandelier, start here.
With your ladder in a stable position, climb up to your old light fixture and remove screws from the dome box, crossbar, and domed canopy. Carefully remove the fixture, lower it to the ground, and have another person provide extra support if necessary. Disassemble the old fixture, and disconnect the wires.
Note the location of wires connected to your old light fixture or chandelier. There should be two or more wires identified by their color, surface insulation, and ridge lettering. If not, you may want to identify each wire with colored electrical tape.
Prep the Electrical Box
The electrical box, also called the ceiling box or junction box, is crucial to any chandelier installation. Securely attached to a ceiling joist or wood block, the electrical box holds the chandelier and its wiring.
Most electrical boxes are rated for between 50 and 70 pounds, so check that your existing box can support your new type of chandelier. If it isn’t rated to support your new chandelier, you’ll have to upgrade to a compatible electrical box and remove the old one. While you’re inspecting the junction box, verify that the wiring and mounting brackets are in good condition.
Assemble the Chandelier
The components of the chandelier may come fully assembled, but if not, follow the manufacturer's instructions to build them. As you do this, make sure to clean the chandelier and wipe away any dust.
It’s best to assemble your chandelier on a flat and clean surface. If it includes a chain, this is the time to adjust it to your preferred length. The length of a chandelier chain should be about three inches per foot of ceiling height. Make sure your chain measures four inches plus one chain link for every chandelier hanging loop.
Secure and Attach the Chandelier
The two common ways of hanging a chandelier will depend on the type of electrical box in your home. Check the instructions on the manufacturer's sheet for specific directions. Depending on your model and instructions, securing and hanging a chandelier usually involves one of the following methods:
Option 1: Mount the chandelier to the bracket of the electrical box. Then, insert the hook at the end into the bracket.
Option 2: Hang the chandelier by threading the stem through the fixture's mounting strap, cover it with a canopy, and tighten it.
During this step, make sure to use a stable ladder. Have another person stabilize the ladder and provide support as you hang the fixture.
Connect the Wires
Most newer fixtures have a black wire and a white wire that match your ceiling wiring. Using a wire cutter, strip about 3/4 of an inch of insulation off the ceiling wires. Then, combine the stripped ceiling wires with the end of the chandelier wire so that black is with black and white is with white. Twist the wire nuts to join the wires, then place them in the electrical box.
Add Canopy and Light Bulbs
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With the wiring in place, fit the canopy or decorative plate over the top of everything to conceal the excess wiring. Screw in light bulbs to each socket, then turn on the power to test that each light works properly. If your chandelier has multiple lights and some of them aren’t working, you may need to check the internal wiring of the fixture and ensure that it’s connected to the central source. Make sure to turn the power off at the breaker if you need to make any fixes.
Now you're ready to show off your chandelier! It's all about preference: Incandescent bulbs give a warm glow, while halogen bulbs have a bright light, much like natural light. Remember: Always make sure the bulbs match the correct wattage on your fixture, or installation may not work correctly.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a chandelier on your own is a great way to save on costs. Before you get started, however, make sure that you have the right electrical knowledge and are comfortable working with basic fixture wiring.
If installing a chandelier seems beyond you, whether for time, expertise, or another factor, hiring a local electrician is a worthy investment. Electricians are trained to have the appropriate safety and installation knowledge, which means you can expect an efficient and quality installation. Depending on the complexity of the job, chandelier installation costs typically range from $100 to $2,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
When installing a chandelier in a high-ceiling room of two stories or more, don't let it hang any lower than the first floor. This job will require an extra tall ladder or scaffold, which may require a professional. Installing a light fixture costs between $150 and $1,500, depending on the expertise and supplies necessary to hang the fixture.
Due to safety concerns, always check with a local professional before completing this kind of project. There are many professionals who specialize in heavy lighting installation.
It’s best to have the recommended support for any lighting fixture you install, and you could be risking injury to someone if you hang a chandelier without a stud. The chandelier could potentially fall, shatter, and hurt you or someone else, and you’ll need to have an additional hanging fixture, such as a hook to hold the lighting in place.
The distance from the dining table to the bottom of the chandelier's droptop is essential when hanging your light fixture. For example, the fixture should hang 30 to 36 inches above the table for an 8-foot ceiling. If your ceiling is higher than the standard eight feet, add three inches of chandelier height for every foot of ceiling height.
When replacing a chandelier, there is little need to do any significant re-modifications. The cost will vary depending on whether the existing wiring is functional. Expect to pay around $115 to $280. If you install a chandelier in a position without any wiring, installation costs range from $145 to $400. Certain factors can also increase the price, such as upgrading junction boxes or installing heavy fixtures.
Alannah has learned that while many home projects can be accomplished with a little determination, the most important thing is to know when to call in a pro. She’s written numerous articles providing guides, tips, and advice about home improvement, home buying, and real estate investing for sites like MoneyTips and Hero Investing.
Alannah has learned that while many home projects can be accomplished with a little determination, the most important thing is to know when to call in a pro. She’s written numerous articles providing guides, tips, and advice about home improvement, home buying, and real estate investing for sites like MoneyTips and Hero Investing.
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