Pendant lighting (also known as swag lights) can change the feel of a room when you change a traditional light bulb fixture into a gorgeous pendant light. There are many different styles of pendant lights made with different colors, styles, shapes and more. Whether it is a Tiffany style pendant light, this is the most common type or chandelier style this guide will help share all the details you must know in order to install these lights.
There are two different ways to install pendant lighting; temporarily or permanently. Most pendant lights hang temporarily, so let's discuss this option first.
If you're planning on installing the pendant lighting temporarily you'll need to purchase an electric plug, some extra metal chain and a longer piece of wire. The manufacturer will supply two bare wires. The wire and chain size will vary depending on how far the light will hang from the electrical outlet. With that said, be sure to measure the distance to the outlet and that's the amount of wire you'll need to purchase. Always add an extra foot to be safe.
Now that you have the supplies, the next step gets a bit tricky. You'll need to remove the original electric supply wire from the light. With the new wire you'll want to add it on by attaching it to the wire with the plug at the end of the wire. Then supply the wire in and out the sides of the chain. At this point, your pendant light should be ready to hang. Once you've installed a solid hook on the ceiling, hang the light and plug it in!
There are several advantages of temporarily installing your pendant light. Keeping the light clean is obviously important. Considering all you need to do to remove the light is take it off the ceiling hook, it's extremely accessible for cleaning. The next advantage is it can easily be moved. If you move from your home and want to take it with you, it's very easy to remove and pack up!
If you're planning on permanently installing your hanging light, it's probably going to be a bit easier. It will basically already be assembled, possibly with some decorative pieces that can be added to the light. The wiring process is tougher though. If you don't have electrical skills you'll want to hire an electrician. You'll need some sort of electrical skills and some tools. Be sure to have a wire cutter, electrical tape, a screwdriver and all the provided materials!
Now that you're ready to install, first shut off the power from the fuse box or circuit breaker. Now remove the light fixture and leave the wires. You'll need to add the hanging light to the outlet box on the ceiling and attach the electrical supply wires to the wires on the pendant light. Now you're ready to secure the light on the ceiling. Once you turn the power back on and install a light bulb, you're light should be ready to shine!
I hope this has helped you understand how to install your new pendant lights. Once you've installed your light, it will create a new feel to the room. Good luck!
