Thursday, March 6, 2014

House projects - Replacing old light fixture with cool chandelier




 


Replacing the old light fixture was a new experience for me but it wasn’t too bad. First turn off the power to the fixture, then position your ladder and have your hand tools ready. I used a flat head screwdriver and needle nose pliers for the removal. Unscrew the screw holding the canopy in place. 






 




The canopy should slide down exposing the ceiling box and mounting bracket. You then turn the wire nuts counterclockwise and detach the wires. At this point the chandelier should come down without any hang-ups.  Do not let the weight of the chandelier hang from the wires!


Most new homes have ceiling boxes mounted securely to the joists above your ceiling but if that is not the case then you will need to install a support between the joists to hang the ceiling box from. 
Once the old fixture is down take a minute to assess the situation and ensure you have the necessary parts and tools to proceed.




My better half chose the new fixture and it came unassembled. This was kind of a pain to put together but I actually do like how it turned out.


Each candle needs to be wired and so you need to run the wires inside each arm and back to the column. Weave the main wire and ground up through the chain, ensure that wire also run up through the center of the canopy cover. Hold the chandelier in place while you attach the wire leads (use wire nuts to attach) then attaches the chain to the ceiling box bracket. At this point test the light switch and dimmer to ensure proper function. Slide the canopy cover up to the ceiling and secure in place. Depending on the size of the hole in the ceiling you may need to purchase a ceiling medallion to cover any open space around the canopy cover. Luckily I didn’t need to use a medallion but I bought one just in case.

Once the fixture is wired and in place then you can have your significant other attach the prisms and balls and chains.     


  

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