Rewiring an old chandelier may be necessary. Here, we’ll look at how to know a fixture needs new wiring, and whether you’re better off calling an electrician. But re-wiring a chandelier doesn’t have to be that complicated. It can also breathe new life into your treasured fixture.
Signs of faulty chandelier wiring include:
- The light is dimmer than it used to be.
- Bulbs are flickering on and off.
- You need to replace bulbs more often.
Of course, there are other signs of bad wiring to look for, such as burning odors, buzzing or humming sounds, or the fixture is warm to the touch. A chandelier is a centerpiece that adds a unique charm to the room. When properly cared for, it can last longer than most other light fixtures, but loose, corroded, or broken wires can turn a chandelier into more of a nuisance if not a danger.
What to Do When Your Chandelier Needs Re-Wiring
Unless you have some electrical knowledge and skill, it’s best to leave this kind of work to a professional electrician. The following steps will help you understand how to rewire a chandelier:
- Turn Off the Circuit: Go to the electrical panel, find the breaker switch for the chandelier circuit, and switch it off. Use a circuit tester at the fixture to verify there’s no power. If it indicates the current is flowing, check whether you turned off the right circuit breaker.
- Loosen the Fixture: Loosen the rounded base or another component that secures the chandelier to the ceiling. Slide it to the bottom hub. The grounding wire should be copper, the neutral/earth wire white, and the hot wire yellow. Remove the wire connectors and unwrap electrical tape if present while supporting the fixture. Don’t let it hang by the wires or you may require additional electrical repair.
- Unscrew the Chandelier: Use the threaded nipple to loosen the chandelier and remove it from its mounting. There will be an electrical box holding the threaded nipple if the fixture is newer. Measure the length of each wire through each arm of the chandelier, plus 1 inch (to account for wire stripping later).
- Disconnect the Wiring: If the dome is removed from the fixture, the wiring will be exposed, or it may be covered. Follow the owner’s manual or method and configuration of your chandelier for the exact procedure for removing exposed wires. Remove the wires and socket housings.
- Install the New Wire: Cut each lamp wire to size and thread it through each arm. Strip off ½” of plastic insulation to expose the wire; split it and group the neutral and live wires together. Twist the ends of these together in a clockwise direction. On top of them, twist a wire connector and ensure all wire strands are enclosed.
Don’t waste your time trying to solve the chandelier issues yourself! Contact the professionals at Right Electric here or at our phone number 908-568-8000