Chandeliers may be expensive, but they’re well worth the price. A gorgeous chandelier will add class and beauty to your kitchen or living room. Some people love the idea of hanging a chandelier in the entryway so they can impress guests as soon as they arrive. The only potential problem is the fact that hanging a chandelier can be a hassle. Chandeliers are bulky and heavy so they’re not easy to handle. Plus, you’ll have to carry it while climbing a ladder.
It is wise to work with a friend or let a professional electrician handle the installation for you. Nevertheless, some people are adamant about installing their own chandeliers. You can likely do it, but you’ll need to work carefully to avoid injury and damage. If you want to tackle the installation on your own, you’ll need a ladder, pair of pliers, a pair of wire strippers, a screwdriver, an electrical wire tester, and a tape measure.
Once you’ve grabbed these supplies, you can start by turning off the power to the fixture in question. This ensures that you don’t get electrocuted if you accidentally touch the hot wire. Then, you can complete the steps below.
What To Do First
Again, make sure that the power is turned off to the fixture in question. You’ll need to access the breaker box and turn off the correct circuit. Once you’ve turned it off, several switches and outlets will stop working. Try the light to make sure it is turned off. You can also use the wire test to confirm that the wire is no longer active.
Remove the existing light and dispose of the components properly. After that, you can open the chandelier and read the instructions. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions because the steps can vary slightly depending on the model you’ve purchased.
The Box
You must ensure that the electrical box is ready. Check the wires hanging from the box to ensure that they’re in good condition. Make sure that the insulation is stripped back far enough. This will make the installation much easier later. Feel the box to make sure it feels sturdy. The chandelier will be heavy so the box must be able to support it.
If necessary, you may need to add more support to the box. If everything is okay, you can move to the next step. Install the mounting bracket. The bracket installs over the box so it can hold the chandelier in place.
Next
You might be hanging a chandelier using the included chain. Make sure you have the correct length. Then, you can slide the wire through the chain. When you thread it, be sure to account for any excess wiring. You should be able to connect the wires from the chandelier to the wires in the box. They should be color coded so this will make the process simple.
Be sure to secure the wires using wire nuts. You can also place electrical tape over the wire nuts for added protection.
Finishing The Job
After you’ve connected the wires, you can mount the chandelier. Again, the light is heavy so you may want to get assistance. Check the bolts and screws to ensure everything is secure. Otherwise, the chandelier may come crashing down in a few days. If you’d like us to handle the installation for you, call our office and we’ll get started soon.