Change Out a Chandelier
Changing out an old chandelier that has lost its visual appeal can change the entire look of a room. Replacing the old fixture is not hard to do if you follow and reverse the steps of removal closely and prepare yourself with just a few basic hand tools. Many local hardware stores carry many styles and brands to choose from, but remember to purchase an electrical box that will be sufficient to hold the weight of the chandelier. A standard box or an old electrical box will need replacement along with the chandelier.
Instructions
Remove Old Chandelier
1. Locate the main breaker box or fuse box in the basement or utility room and turn off the power. Go to the room you will be working in and turn the light switch on and off to make sure the power is off.
2. Loosen the canopy by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver and lowering it to expose the wiring. Test the wiring again with a voltage tester after pulling off the wiring connectors. Take down the fixture.
3. Unscrew the electrical box from the bar using a screwdriver, or pry the box free if it is nailed to a ceiling joist with a flat bar.
4. Free the cable connector by loosening the screws or by prying the fin up with a screwdriver if the box is plastic.
5. Cut the metal hanger bar in half with a hacksaw.
6. Locate the fan brace and turn it to the shortest length possible. Put the brace in the hole. Set both feet as flat as you can on the ceiling. Turn the brace by hand until you feel the prongs digging into the joist. Finish tightening with an adjustable wrench.
7. Knockout the plug on the electrical box using a screwdriver and hammer.
Install New Chandelier
8. Pull 6 inches of cable into the box and lock in place using the connector screws provided and a screwdriver.
9. Put the u-bolt over the fan's brace. Place the support flange over the threaded ends of the u-bolt and secure with the nuts and a nut driver.
10. Push the electrical box in the ceiling and connect it to the u-bolt with the hex nuts and a nut driver.
11. Remove the shades and globes.
12. Cut the wires and remove links from the chain to get desired height. Put the nipple into the chain holder and then to the mounting bar.
13. Put the wires into the nipple. Hold the fixture close to the ceiling and connect the mounting bar to the electrical box. Attach the copper wire to the grounding screw then to the fixture ground wire. Cut ½ inch of covering off the wires with a wire-stripping tool.
14. Twist the cable white wire to the fixture white wire and do the same with the black wires using wire nuts. Tuck the wires in the electrical box.
15. Press the canopy against the ceiling. Push the collar up and thread to the chain holder to hold the canopy.
16. Screw in light bulbs and turn on the power.
Tags: ceiling connect, chain holder, Change Chandelier, metal hanger, nuts driver