Can You Install Your Own Chandelier?

Chandelier
Chandelier

Nothing adds elegance and glamour to your home interior more than a sparkling chandelier. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles, from glittering crystal to streamlined modern to futuristic Sputnik fixtures. Since their versatility can completely transform any room, you may be wondering if you can install your own chandelier.

The answer is both yes and no, so let’s look at the factors to consider.

Do You Need an Electrician to Install a Chandelier?

Whether or not you can install your own chandelier depends on the existing conditions and the chandelier you want to hang.

For example, if you want to install a chandelier where there is currently no light fixture, you’ll need to find an electrician for chandelier installation.

While many homeowners can easily swap out one light fixture for another, adding a ceiling electrical box requires a trained electrician. If there is no junction box available for the fixture, you’ll need to have one installed by a licensed professional.

More importantly, you can be held liable for unlicensed electrical work performed on your property if they don’t comply with National Building Codes.

Is It Hard to Install a Chandelier?

A chandelier-style light fixture is easy to install if you’ve installed other types of light fixtures in your home. The crucial difference is in supporting the weight of the chandelier

One factor to consider is the size and weight of the chandelier. Most existing ceiling junction boxes can only hold up to 50 pounds but some crystal chandeliers can weigh as much as 400 pounds. That means it will require additional structural support, even if you can manage to lift it high enough for installation.

Even lightweight chandeliers can be bulky, which means you may need several people to help you handle it into position.

Can you Hang a Chandelier without Wiring?

To get around the need to add wiring or junction boxes, some homeowners use corded fixtures. You can install a decorative hook in the ceiling and swag a long chain with the corded wrapped within it to hide it.

Although this option allows you to hang light fixtures anywhere without adding a junction box, it isn’t usually the most professional-looking installations.

Who to Call to Install a Chandelier?

Chandeliers can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. There can be a significant investment to add a chandelier. And the potential for damage to the ceiling and wiring is high.

In this case, it pays to error on the side of caution and choose not to install your own chandelier. Hire a professional.

Search for “chandelier installation near me,” and then contact the pros at Mr. Sparky who know exactly what extra support is required for your new chandelier and can install it without damaging your ceiling.

Make an appointment today with the pros at Mr. Sparky of Pleasantville for a quote to install your new chandelier.