Quick Project Overview
Time to Complete: 50 mins
Skill Level: BeginnerÂ
Equipment / Tools:
- Voltage Tester
- Ladder (if needed)
- Screwdriver
- Wire Stripper or Combination Tool
- Level
- A Friendly Helper
Materials:
- Pendant fixture
- Wire Nuts
- Screwdriver
Let me guess, you’ve found the perfect Pendant Light from the Pendant Lighting Company, but you’re unsure how to install it.  First and foremost, we would always recommend hiring a qualified professional to install your pendant light. But if you want to do it yourself, it can be a simple task, and the steps below will make it even easier!
Instructions
Step 1: Turn Off The Power
Our first step in installing hanging pendant lights is relatively simple, but it is definitely one of the most important. Before you begin, turn off any active power to your current pendant light. To be certain, use an electrical tester to ensure there is no active power supply to the wires. If the electric tester is not illuminated, there is no active power present.
Step 2: Remove The Old Light Fixture
The next step is to remove the old light fixture. Grab the right size screwdriver and carefully remove the screws holding the current light casting. Make sure you keep a steady hand on the fixture when removing the last screws, you don’t want your old fixture falling on the floor (or your head).
Step 3: Take Note to The Wire Connections
Your old fixture should have had three wires. These are known as the earth wire, neutral wire, and live wire. Fortunately for you, these wires are usually colour-coded to indicate which wire is which. The neutral wire is usually blue (but we used black, so keep that in mind). The live wire is usually brown (although it used to be red). The earth fine usually has green and yellow stripes.
Make sure you take a note (or even take a picture) of which wire in the ceiling is connected to the black fixture wire, as this indicates which one is the live wire.
Step 4: Start Disconnecting The Wires
First, disconnect the live wires, then the neutral wire, and finally the ground wire. Once the old fixture has been completely disconnected, remove the old mounting plate or hardware used to hang the lighting fixture.
Now, using your wire stripper or a combination tool, remove the wire insulation to reveal about a half inch of wire.
Step 5: Installing Your Mounting Bracket
Your beautiful new pendant lighting fixture should include a mounting bracket. Simply attach this to the junction box, where your previous mounting bracket was. Your new mounting bracket will have included the necessary screws to accomplish this. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the mounting bracket is straight; you don't want a wonky lighting fixture.
Step 6: Connect The Wires to The New Pendant Light
At this step, you might need some help; simply ask someone to hold the light fixture in place while you re-attach the wires. To attach the wire, twist the bare wires together and secure each set with wire nuts at the ends. Firstly, you want to connect the ground wire, then the neutral, and finally the live wire.
Step 7: Attach The Pendant Light
After you've secured all of the wires, use the screws to attach the cover to the junction box. Make sure the wires are tucked into the box, neatly arranged, and no wires are pinched from the cover.
Step 8: Add Some Light
What is a pendant light without some light? So now that you've installed the pendant lighting fixture, it's time to insert the light bulb and turn the power back on!
You now know how to install a pendant light fixture! As we previously said, we always recommend hiring a professional to install your light so you can simply relax and enjoy your home.