How to Install a Chandelier

Replacing lighting fixtures is one of the easiest and most affordable decor updates. Chandeliers are the lighting option that adds style and visual appeal. This guide shows you the steps of how to install a chandelier, from removing the old chandelier and installing the new one.

 

Step 1: Assemble your tools.

• Gather your tools and supplies. You'll need a screwdriver, a ladder, wire strippers and needle-nose pliers—all of which you can find at any hardware store or home improvement center.
  
  
  
• If you're using a chandelier with four or more arms, take the time to mark where each arm will be hung on the ceiling grid before attaching them; it's much easier than trying to figure out where they should go once they're already up there! A good trick is to use masking tape for this step; after marking each arm's location on the ceiling grid (with masking tape), remove all but one piece of tape from each mark and use that last piece as your guide during installation so that all four or seven arms are evenly spaced apart from one another (and don't forget about those pesky wires!).

 

Step 2: Choose the right location.

• Once you have decided that the chandelier is for you, it's time to decide where to hang it. To determine the best location, align your eye level with the ceiling of your room and look straight up. This will help you visualize how high or low a chandelier should be hung in relation to your face. It also helps if this spot is centered over a piece of furniture (such as a dining table) or another focal point in your room that isn't too far away from an outlet (the lights on a chandelier are usually plugged into an outlet).
• If necessary, move around until you find something close enough without feeling cramped or uncomfortable while standing on a step ladder or laying down on the floor with your head in position under where you plan on hanging the chandelier(s).
• Once you've found this spot, use some string or tape measure to mark off exactly where each part of each fixture will go relative to one another: where one hangs from another; how far apart they're placed relative to one another on their chain; etc., so there are no surprises when installing them later!

 

Step 3: Turn off electric.

• Locate the correct circuit breaker to turn off and test to make sure it’s in the off position before you begin work, or you may get shocked!
• Check that the light switch is also in the off position, then check with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure there is no power going through any wires behind your light fixture (or under a floor).

Step 4: Remove old light (if needed).

• Turn off the power to the light. To do this, turn the circuit breaker off or unscrew and remove the fuse for that circuit, depending on where you are working and how your house is wired.
• Remove any existing wiring from the old light fixture and mounting plate if there is some left behind after removing it from its previous home (this could save you a lot of time). If there isn't much wiring left over, just cut what little there is with wire cutters as close to where it enters into box as possible without damaging any other wires around it; then pull out any electrical tape connecting them together so that no bare wire remains inside your junction box (unless of course these two things happen to be bound by an actual electrical connection).
• Remove any screws holding down your current ceiling fixture if necessary—you may want to use a drill instead of screwdrivers so that they don't get damaged during removal—and set aside once they're all out!

 

Step 5: Install the mounting plate.

Next, attach the mounting plate to the electrical box with screws, if necessary. If you're working with a ceiling fan, this is probably already done for you. With a chandelier and ceiling fan combo, mount the mounting plate to your chandelier first by screwing it in place from inside the base of the fixture—you'll see that there are holes here specifically designed for this purpose. Then mount it to your electrical box using more screws if necessary; again, use those pre-drilled holes where possible.

 

Step 6: Connect and install wires.

• Connect wires. If your chandelier has a series of lights, such as with a candelabra, you'll need to connect the wires. While it's possible to use wire nuts and electrical tape (don't forget the tape!) for this job, I suggest using wire connectors instead. They're easier and faster to use, plus they ensure that every connection is secure.
• Install ceiling box. You should have a ceiling box installed near where you want your light fixture to hang; if not, now is the time! After connecting all of your wires together in an organized manner (this will make it easier when installing), simply screw them into place inside the box before inserting it into its final position on top of your joists (or wherever else they may be).
• Secure chandelier into place with rings and clips that came with it when purchased—but don't put any weight on anything yet!

 

Step 7: Connect chandelier to wires.

• Connect the wires to the chandelier by color.
  

  

  
  
  
  
• Make sure that you bend the wire to make it easier to connect and secure them.
• Use electrical tape to cover any exposed wires and connections so they won't accidentally touch and electrocute anyone who touches them.
  
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

 

Step 8: Turn on power and install crystal shades.

• Check chandelier function for safety, then make any necessary adjustments before securing the fixture in place, using a ladder if necessary.
  
  
  
• Turn off electricity at circuit breaker or fuse box, if applicable.
• When hanging multiple light fixtures or lowering/raising a ceiling height, we recommend consulting an electrician for help with wiring safety codes and connecting new circuits to existing wiring systems (or hiring an electrician). For example: If you need to lengthen the wires from your fixture because they're too short for where you want them installed, hire an electrician who can safely extend them with new wire that meets all electrical code requirements before proceeding with installation of your chandelier set on its own."

 

Congratulation, you have completed the installation for your chandelier! Enjoy the new chandelier and light up your life.