You’ve been scouring the market looking for the perfect pendant lighting and now you have it. But, you don’t know how to mount it. Sounds familiar? No worries. This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to make your pendant light fitting installations a breeze.
Installing Pendant Lights
Pendant lighting can instantly transform your home from drab to fab. Whether you want a vintage flute light design or a bubble pendant-styled fixture, there’s something for everyone. But before you begin the installation process, you should understand what a pendant light fixture is and how to maintain it. This will ensure that you make the right selection and enhance its lifespan assuring you of value for money. Given that the task primarily involves electrical work, you’ll have to observe some precautions to ensure safety.
Here’s what you should do:
- Switch off the mains power unit.
- Uninstall the designated circuit fuse to isolate the power line you’ll be working on.
- Switch off the breaker and lock it. Inform everyone in the house that you’ll be working on the circuit to avoid accidents.
- Use a voltage tester to ensure there’s no live current in the connecting wires.
- If the pendant light fixture weighs more than 2kgs, ensure it’s supported by a strong cord or chain.
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Unless double insulated, all pendant light fittings with metallic elements must be earthed. You can use a three-core flex for grounding.
What You Need to Install Pendant Lights
For every DIY project you need to do in your home, you’ll need specialized equipment to get the task done. Here are the tools you’ll need.
- Voltage Tester
- Screwdriver
- Safety goggles
- Ladder
- Wall plugs
- Level
- Wire stripper
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Pencil
- Hammer
Now that you’ve got all the equipment ready, you can begin the installation process. You can use two different methods to install and hang your pendant lights: Hooks or brackets.
How to Install Pendant Lights Using Ceiling Brackets
Follow the instructions below to affix your pendant light to your home’s ceiling using a bracket.
- Position your ladder and use the pencil to mark the bracket’s position on the ceiling. Ensure it’s placed at least 1.5 cm from the electrical hole.
- Drill through the marked points and insert the wall plugs. Hammer them down to ensure they’re well-fitted.
- Use the screwdriver to attach the bracket to the ceiling.
- Position the pendant wire or cord correctly and use the anchorage to lock it in place.
- Attach the power supply cable to the terminal block within the light fixture. Ensure you stick to the color coding to avoid short-circuiting in the unit.
- Use the two retaining screws in the package to connect the pendant light to the bracket.
- Screw the cable locking unit into the hole located just below the cable exit point. Add your bulbs and test out the light fixture.
How to Install Pendant Lights Using Hooks
Homeowners whose circuit box isn’t well positioned on the ceiling can use this method. Typically known as swagging, the name comes from the curve of the pendant cable. The process involves using swag hooks attached to the ceiling to hold the light fixture. Follow the steps below to complete the process.
- Use a pencil to mark your preferred location on the ceiling.
- Drill a hole through the marked point.
- Insert a wall plug which typically comes inside the light fixture package. Tap flush with a hammer to connect your pendant light directly to the household circuit.
- Add the swag hook and turn in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Adjust the pendant cord to match your ceiling height and use an anchor to secure it.
- Attach the supply cable to the terminal block located inside the pendant unit.
- Connect the swag hook to the light fixture via the spare hole on the pendant light.
- Use the cable lock screw to lock the light fixture in place.
- Turn on the electricity supply and enjoy your new light.
How Low Should Your Pendant Lights Hang?
Want to get your pendant lights installation right every time? The secret lies in sticking to a few rules of thumb. Standard placements include:
|
Designated space |
Pendant Height |
|
Living Room |
5 to 7 above the seating arrangement |
|
Dining Room |
28 to 32 inches above the dining table |
|
Kitchen Island |
30 to 36 inches above the kitchen island |
|
Bedroom |
At least 84 inches from the floor |
|
Foyer |
68 to 72 inches above the floor |
Pro Tip!
Take into account the pendant lights’ dimensions and the size of the room to ensure even illumination and maintain a balanced look.
How to Straighten Your Pendant Light Cord Before Installation
During installation, you may notice that your pendant cable is twisted or kinked. The steps below will help you straighten the cord to avoid damage.
- Unroll the pendant cable after unboxing.
- Pinch the cord at the nearest point to the light fixture.
- Wrap the pendant cord halfway around your thumb.
- Use a screwdriver to pull the cable and pull through the wire’s length repeatedly to smoothen it out.
- Your pendant light is ready to install.
Hiring a Professional for Your Pendant Light Installation
While you may want to make this pendant light installation a DIY home project, it’s best to leave the task to a qualified technician if you lack the experience. Safety is key during this process. Be aware that at least 500 deaths annually in the United States are attributed to electrical injuries.
Professionals use the right safety gear and equipment to minimize hazards. They can accurately assess whether the circuit box can hold the light fixture’s weight and advise accordingly. Remember to consult electricians as they follow standard regulations in the locality regarding electrical projects in the area.
Transform Your Space into a Well-Lit Haven
There are several creative ways to use pendant lighting in your home. If you’re having a hard time finding the perfect pendant light for your home, feel free to explore our rich collection of pendant lighting. Our diverse range guarantees that you’ll find a suitable piece for your space. Once you’ve carefully navigated the instructions for pendant light installation, it’s time to enjoy your home’s updated look. Soak in the newfound ambiance and charm that pendant lights add to your home.
