Large, heavy chandeliers require extra ceiling support.
Replacing a chandelier is a great way to update the appearance of a dining room. There are many styles, brands, sizes, and prices to choose from, even online. The hard part is deciding which one to purchase. The one thing to consider more than anything is the weight. Any fixture that weighs over 50 lbs. will need a stronger .
Instructions
Remove Old Fixture
1. Shut off the circuit breaker or fuse box in the basement or utility room. Turn the wall switch on and off to make sure there's no power. Steady your ladder under the fixture. Remove all light bulbs and decorative fixtures.
2. Loosen the screws that hold the fixture to the electrical box. Lower the fixture to expose the wiring. Remove the wire connectors and test the wires to make sure they are dead. Pull the wires and take down the fixture.
3. Remove the electrical box by taking out the screws. Remove the cable by taking out the screw. Cut the metal hanger in half and remove. Climb into the attic and check that the support braces can support the new fixture.
Install Large Chandelier
4. Turn the brace by hand to the shortest length. Put the brace through the hole and set the feet flat on top of the drywall or plaster ceiling. Tighten the brace by hand until the prongs fit tight against the joists and tighten with an adjustable wrench.
5. Pry one of the knockout plugs off the electrical box. Hold the electrical box to the ceiling. Feed the cable through the connector and secure with the cable connector. Find the U-bolt flange and slip it over the brace. Put the support flange on the ends of the bolt and tighten the nuts on each side.
6. Push the electrical box into the ceiling and align the holes in the top of the box with the ends on the U-bolt. Secure with hex nuts. Tighten the nuts with a nut driver. Remove the fixtures from the chandelier. Shorten the wiring and chain to the height you wish it to hang. Twist the nipple-shaped part into the chain holder and then into the mounting bar.
7. Feed the chandelier wiring through the nipple. Raise the chandelier and attach the mounting bar to the electric box with screws provided. Wrap the copper ground wire around the ground screw and tighten. Attach the end of the wires to the ground wire. Strip away ½ inch of the protective covering from the wiring. Twist the white wire from chandelier to the white wire on the ceiling cable, and repeat the step with the black wires.
8. Fold the electrical wires and tuck them in the electrical box. Slide the canopy up the chain and push it tight to the ceiling. Check that the wires are tucked away. Push the retainer collar up the chandelier's chain into the holder. Twist the collar to secure the chandelier in place. Install light bulbs and decorative fixtures and restore the power.
Tags: brace hand, bulbs decorative, bulbs decorative fixtures, ceiling support, decorative fixtures