How to Install or Replace Chandeliers

Chandeliers can basically add architectural detail to your living rooms and dining rooms. There are several choices of chandeliers you can choose from. Some are designed for smaller spaces and some come in huge shapes that are specially designed manufactured for larger spaces. Such large spaces include reception rooms and lobbies of hotels, restaurants, office buildings and some theme parks. Basically, chandeliers provide a lasting impression to a home.

Every now and then, new designs and impressive energy saving models come to the market. Old chandeliers are always replaced by these new models. It is always quick and easy to replace old chandeliers if given some time and some effort.

Generally, old chandeliers can be removed easily and directly replaced by the new model. You can directly mount chandeliers right into the ceiling boxes simply as replacements. However, let us first understand that the mounting style of new chandeliers can vary according to its weight, its design and style. But the effort and time you will spend in doing so might be worth it after all.

Start by inspecting and checking your existing ceiling box. When installing heavy chandeliers, ceiling boxes must be mounted firmly to the mounting bracket to carry the weight of the new fixture. Replace screws that are corroded and dilapidated.

If the manufacturer recommends a different mounting method, a complete instruction will be provided with the set of chandelier you just bought. Study and read this instruction carefully and follow them in detail.

The procedure

The mounting bracket is firmly attached to the ceiling. The ceiling box is then attached to the mounting bracket with screws. The chandeliers main rod is then screwed into the strap of the ceiling box to provide the needed support.

In replacing an ordinary light fixture with a chandelier, always shut off the current. Loosen and lower the canopy of the old fixture. Regardless of how it is mounted, the old fixture should be totally removed. After you have removed the old fixture the old wires will be exposed and ready for the new mounting.

Most cases allow you to mount the chandelier right into the old hickey used by the old fixture. But if a different type of hickey mounting is required by your new chandelier, the hickey will be provided by the manufacturer. You can replace the old hickey with the new hickey provided by the manufacturer.

There are also chandeliers that are designed to be bolted onto brackets. These brackets are mounted right onto the mounting strap. For this case, the mounting bracket is securely attached to the nipple with a locknut. The nipple is placed in a very firm position.  When ready you can mount the fixture to the brackets that are affixed firmly to the mounting strap. You can use decorative nuts to give a neat appearance to the canopy of the chandelier.

There are also chandeliers that are designed to be mounted to the outlet box using the regular fixture strap. This strap is basically mounted to the threaded section of the outlet box. The canopy will then be mounted directly to the mounting strap.