How to Hang a Chandelier

Replacing an old light fixture is a quick and easy way to change the look and feel of your home in a snap. Installing a chandelier is a relatively simple process, and as long as you are familiar with the safety measures that come with working with electricity, you shouldn't fret. Just remember to turn off the power at the main electrical panel before you start your work.

Installing a chandelier is very much like installing any type of light fixture, and many times you can attach the chandelier to the existing wires. Most full sized chandeliers need a heavy duty box for support, so if your fixture weighs more than 50 pounds, make sure you install an appropriate box before you start.

Step by Step First, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the room where you'll be working. Flip the switches in the room to make sure the power is off. Unscrew the old fixture to get to the electrical box and unscrew the wiring connectors. Detach all the wiring and take down the fixture. Remove the screws from the electrical box and pry the box free from the joist its probably nailed to. Loosen the screw from the cable connector and take the cable out. Cut the hangar bar (if there is one) and remove the bar from the opening. Place the fan brace through the opening and set it on the ceiling and rotate the brace by hand until the prongs dig into the joist. Don't overtighten here - it could cause holes in the drywall.

Pry one plug from the side of the metal electrical box that comes with your fan brace and feed the cable through the cable connector, pulling about six inches of cable into the box, and tightening the connector screws. Find the U-bolt, metal flange and hex nuts and slip the U-bolt over the fan brace and slide the support brace onto the ends of the bolt. Lock each end in place with a nut. Next, align the holes in the electrical box with the ends of the boltm and push the box into the ceiling while securing the bolt. Tighten them with a nut driver and two nuts.

Now you are ready to hang the chandelier. Remove any shades from the fixture before you begin to install it. Shorten the wires and remove the chain links as needed so the fixture will be at the correct height. Thread the chain holder and the fixture mounting bar together, and feed the chandelier wires through. Screw the bar to the electrical box and tighten the grounding wire, then connect it with the chandelier's end ground wire. Strip some insulation off the chandelier's wiring and join the white wire to the cable's white wire and do the same with the black wires, then fold everything into the electrical box. Slide the cover up the chain, press it against the celing and screw in place. The final step is to install light bulbs, glass shades or other decoration, and turn on the power.