You may believe that it is going to be a lengthy, difficult process. This has stopped you from adding a beautiful chandelier to your home. Well, you should know that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, you will find that hanging a chandelier will be quick and easy as long as you know what you’re doing. You can do it yourself or call a professional electrician and let them handle it for you.
If you intend to do it alone, you’ll want to follow the guide below.
What You’ll Need
Before you can install a chandelier in your home, you’ll need to obtain certain supplies. For instance, you’re going to need a ladder, screwdriver, and tape measure. You’ll also need to be cautious about choosing the wrong chandelier. Make sure you find one that fits your home perfectly. You’ll need the following items.
- Wire tester
- Screwdriver or drill
- Ladder – height depends on the height of your ceilings
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Wire stripper
Once you’ve bought these things, you’ll be ready to get started.
First Steps
Most chandeliers are installed using a chain or hook. Most fixtures use this type of setup. Now, you’ll want to shut off the electricity in the room to avoid potential problems. It is best to flip the breaker and test the current light fixture to make sure the power is off. Once you’ve turned off the power, you will be able to touch the wires without getting electrocuted.
Next
Once you’ve turned off the power, you’ll want to grab the chandelier and remove it from the package. You will find installation instructions in the box. Reading the manual can help ensure that you’re installing the item correctly. For instance, the instruction manual will tell you how to wire the chandelier and what chain length works best.
Preparing The Electrical Box
You’ve likely already removed the old light fixture. So, you can begin preparing the ceiling electric box for a new installation. The electric box should feature black, copper, and white wires. It is important to make sure that the wires do not have any cuts or breaks. If they’re in good condition, you can continue. Otherwise, you should call an electrician and let them fix the wires.
Install The Mounting Bracket
The chandelier will come with a mounting bracket. It is time to install the bracket so you’ll have something to attach the fixture to. The bracket will be installed over the junction box. Once the bracket is installed, you can assemble the chandelier. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid problems.
Also, you can thread the wire through the chain. Be sure that you have plenty of wire left.
Attaching The Wires
Now, you’ll want to attach the electrical wires. Most chandeliers will feature a black and copper wire. You can use the wire stripper tool to cut off some of the insulation. This will make it easier to work with the wires. The black wires should be wired together. Then, you’ll want to do the same for the others. Once they’re secure with nuts, you can push the wires into the junction box in the ceiling.
Finishing The Installation
Finally, you can attach the chandelier to the mounting bracket. Push the fixture toward the ceiling and secure it with the included screws. Make sure that the screws are tight so you don’t have to worry about the chandelier falling down. After that, you can install bulbs into the chandelier and turn the power back on.
At this point, the chandelier should work as intended. If the lights do not come on, you’ve likely wired something wrong. You can try removing the chandelier and checking your work. Alternatively, you’ll want to think about hiring a professional.
Either way, hanging a chandelier doesn’t have to be tough but it is a good idea to get assistance from a friend. Or, you can skip the hassle and hire a professional.