A chandelier is both a lighting fixture and an important decorative element, so many of them are quite heavy and complex design. Installation of the lamp becomes important stage repair, because even the safety of the room’s occupants will depend on the reliability of its fastening. To understand how to attach a chandelier to the ceiling correctly and with minimal costs, you need to know what kinds of lamps for rooms there are and how the methods of installing them differ.
Skipping the details of the decorative differences between chandeliers, let’s focus on what is important for the installation process: classification by type of fasteners. Based on this feature, there are two main types of devices:
- ceiling mounted with a hook;
- cantilever, which are mounted on brackets or special strips.
Mounting the chandelier on a hook and on a bar (bracket)
Heavier models belong specifically to the first category, since only a hook can reliably hold massive structures. The same models, which are lighter in weight, are conveniently mounted on different types strips that can be attached to suspended ceiling profiles.
Types of fastenings
How are the different fastenings structurally arranged? Most often the hook is already built into the ceiling, however, if it is not there or it is unreliable, you can make it yourself. There are several types of structures that are used for such purposes, one of which is the collet pin. It consists of a collet, which is practically used as a dowel, and a pin, replacing a self-tapping screw, onto which the hook clings.
Types of collet pins
You can use another option: a metal anchor or a self-tapping hook. When a chandelier is attached to a plasterboard ceiling in this way, the design may also include a chain. There is also a type of hook that is used for hanging light fixtures from plasterboard ceilings and is called “butterfly” for its drop-down design, which prevents the fastener from falling out of the hole in the profile.
Ceiling hook for chandelier
As for the mounting strips, they are attached using dowels and screws. Long screws can also be used. Cantilever chandelier models are often mounted using a butterfly dowel, which opens when secured with a self-tapping screw and can be either metal or plastic.
Dowel "butterfly"
Stages of installing a chandelier on a hook
When thinking about how to attach a chandelier to the ceiling with an already installed hook, first of all check its strength: hang a load of the same weight as the lamp you have chosen, or pull it strongly. An unreliable hook that falls out or becomes loose must be replaced. It is important to remember that fasteners for heavy chandeliers are mounted only on the main ceiling, since no type hanging plasterboard will not withstand such a load. To install the collet, a hole is drilled with a hammer drill into which the fastener is inserted. A pin is screwed into the collet, onto which the anchor hook is hung, or it is screwed directly into the collet.
Mounting the collet on the ceiling
A hole in the drywall is also needed to drive a metal anchor into concrete base or screwing a self-tapping hook into wooden base. To overcome the distance separating the base ceiling from the suspended ceiling, a chain is used: it is hung on a hook and the chandelier itself is attached to it.
As for light fixtures that are mounted on plasterboard ceiling profiles, fastening is carried out as follows: a butterfly hook is inserted into the hole in the plasterboard, which corresponds to the hole in the ceiling frame profile, which automatically opens and locks.
The principle of "disclosure" and acceptance T-shape also applies to butterfly dowels on which console lamps are mounted. At least two of these dowels are required. They are inserted into holes in the ceiling and profile and secured with a self-tapping screw, after which they are automatically fixed.
Butterfly hook installation
Mounting panel installation
Such fasteners are mounted on a plasterboard ceiling, which is not designed for heavy loads. Therefore, in order not to damage it, you need to strengthen the part of the coating where the lamp will hang. Even at the stage of installing the frame, you should decide how to attach the chandelier to the ceiling and use one of the strengthening options. For example, you can install two parallel profiles (at the same distance from each other as the holes in the plank) or build a square or rectangle from them (again, in accordance with the dimensions of the chandelier fasteners).
First, you need to correctly mark the locations for the holes in the ceiling: they must coincide with the locations for the screws on the plank. Dowels are inserted into the ceiling holes, to which the plank is screwed. In addition, there may be a hook in the ceiling that you do not need, but you should not dismantle it: if you change the chandelier, it may still be useful to you. The lamp itself is attached to the bar using screws.
Attaching the chandelier strip
There is also a very simple option that can be used for light chandeliers of small sizes. It consists of attaching the strip to the profiles with long self-tapping screws. For heavier structures, as already mentioned, it is possible to mount only on the main ceiling, concrete or wood.
So, how to hang a chandelier from the ceiling? First you need to evaluate the lamp itself: its weight, type of mounting, size. Moreover, this must be done before installation. suspended ceiling so that it is possible, if necessary, to install the necessary reinforcing structures.
Then the necessary ones are produced preparatory work, the type of fastening material is determined and installation is carried out sequentially. When the fasteners are installed, you can connect the lamp to the electrical network.
Laziness made a man out of a monkey. Tired of climbing a palm tree for a banana, the monkey picked up a stick. The hostess was tired of always painting and greasing the cracks in the ceiling - she ordered it. No hassle - beautiful, smooth, hygienic. There is only one small but pressing question left: how to hang it on a suspended ceiling? On the one hand, it seems like you shouldn’t fool yourself; it’s easier to invite specially trained people for such work. But on the other hand, how can you find out whether they did everything correctly and whether, God forbid, any troubles will happen after such an installation? After reading this material, you will be able not only to supervise hired workers, but also to install the lighting device yourself.
Requirements for a chandelier for a stretch ceiling:
- the flow of light should be directed downwards or to the side, but not upwards;
- it is desirable that the lampshades have a closed shape;
- the distance from the lampshade to the ceiling must be sufficient to prevent heating of the material;
- at standard height The tension structure in the room already lowers the ceiling; there is no need to install a bulky chandelier;
- the lighting fixture must have a long suspension, sufficient to be secured to the base behind the stretched canvas.
Ceiling chandeliers for suspended ceilings can be equipped with different types. When choosing one type or another, take into account the features of the PVC contract:
| Lamp type | Description |
| Incandescent lamp | The low cost of these devices hides high energy consumption and high-temperature effects on surrounding objects. Such lamps are least suitable for synthetic ceilings. The minimum distance from the lamp to the PVC surface is 40 cm, and this is provided that the device is not more powerful than 60 W. The solution may be to install reflectors between the film and the lamp, but does it make sense to fence such a structure if there are other options? |
| An excellent option for a chandelier under a suspended ceiling. These devices have a high efficiency useful action And for a long time services. Such devices heat up very little and pose a danger to PVC film. Lighting can be warm or cool, depending on your preference. | |
| Halogen | Halogen lamps heat up slightly, but when long work and this heat is enough to deform the stretched material. A 40 W lamp should not be closer to the ceiling than 40 cm. |
Designer advice! A chandelier in a contrasting color looks best on a suspended ceiling. On black - white or silver, on light, respectively, dark metal.
Basic requirements for mounting a chandelier
Attaching a chandelier to a suspended ceiling should be not only durable, but also aesthetically pleasing. Suspended devices mounted on a hook or mounting strip are suitable for suspended ceilings. Overhead chandeliers that are attached tightly to the ceiling on an overhead panel are not suitable.
Important! The height of the chandelier suspension should be sufficient, taking into account the distance between the base and the stretched material.
As an option, you can consider placing the hook for fastening below the level of the PVC film, but then this point must be foreseen in advance, even before the tensioning procedure.
A little about the correct location of a chandelier for suspended ceilings
The height of the chandelier depends on several factors:
- ceiling height;
- ceiling covering;
- purpose of the room.
How to hang a chandelier on a suspended ceiling living rooms? There must be at least two meters from the floor to the bottom of the device. This way you will eliminate the danger of accidentally touching it when moving around the room. But it is better if this distance is greater, especially when the ceilings in the room are low.
Compact height devices are also suitable for hallways. This design will not interfere with opening doors. In addition, keep in mind that in the corridor people often raise their hands to remove their hats, straighten their hair, or close their umbrellas. So, the higher the lamp is located, the better.
Compact placement is also relevant. There is a risk here of not only touching the structure with your hands, but also accidentally getting hit by a stream of water from the shower.
If the ceilings in the room are higher than 3 meters, you are in luck: you can choose any shape and place it anywhere, even above. For example, it is logical to hang a lamp not in the center of the room, but above the dining group. Moreover, for working area is being organized .
Advice! Classic ceiling lamps have a suspension in the form of a chain. You can adjust its length by removing and adding links.
The most difficult question is how to attach a chandelier to a suspended ceiling at the location of the “second light”. The peculiarity of the location requires a powerful luminous flux that can spread over two or even three floors. In this case, take a closer look at designs with several tiers or a cascade of lamps.
For your information! Electrical installation rules recommend selecting for lighting fixtures hooks that can support five times the weight of the chandelier for at least 10 minutes. After removing the excess load, there should be no damage left on the fastening.
Thus, the choice of chandelier must meet not only design requirements, but also safety and ease of use rules.
Tools for work
The main tool in this matter is your confidence in your own capabilities. Self-installation of a chandelier on a suspended ceiling is not so much a difficult task as it is troublesome and requires extreme care. And there are tools for work in almost every home:
Basis for mounting the chandelier
There is a distance between the concrete or wooden ceiling and the stretch PVC material. It may be different, depending on the characteristics of the room. If the ceilings initially have a defect, it can be easily corrected using a tension structure. It turns out that in order to secure the chandelier, the empty space needs to be filled with something, to create a rigid base.
If the distance is large, a thick block cannot be used; you will have to make a frame. In this case, the perforation area of the film must be reinforced with a gasket; it will additionally protect the PVC from the temperature effects of the lamp. Such gaskets are made in the form of rings, internal and external. They are hidden behind the decorative frame of the wiring and are completely invisible.
Options for installing a chandelier on a suspended ceiling with your own hands
If you decide to start installing a lamp, take care to prepare the base in advance. After the ceiling is stretched, you will not have the opportunity to mount a stand or do any wiring. Usually the master asks in advance where you plan to hang the chandelier. You can prepare the base yourself and lead the wires to the right place in advance.
There are several ways to attach a chandelier. Let's briefly look at the main ones.
With a hook
A hook is the most familiar and common way to hang a chandelier. The only thing you have to do is adjust the length of the hook to the height of the tension fabric. If the hook was installed previously, most likely it will have to be replaced, since the suspended ceiling will “steal” at least 3–5 centimeters.
For fastening, a hole is drilled in the concrete ceiling, a dowel is inserted and a hook with a threaded leg is screwed into it. If the distance between the canvas and the ceiling is too large, a block is attached to the ceiling and a hook is screwed into this base.
Advice! After installing the stretch ceiling, all wiring will be hidden from your eyes. For your own peace of mind, place it in a protective case.
When attaching the chandelier to the hook, make sure that the decorative cup fits snugly to the ceiling panel
Using a mounting plate
Fastening with a strip is found on modern models lamps. The bar itself is a metal plate with holes for fasteners. This plank is attached to the prepared base directly through the ceiling sheet. You only need to cut a small hole for the wiring.
Important! When screwing the bar to the block, be careful not to damage the wiring cord.
To make work easier and not damage the lighting fixture, it is disassembled before installation. It is necessary to remove shades, lamps and hanging decorative elements.
Using a cross bar
Mounting on a cross-shaped bar is not much different from hanging on a regular bar. Cross-shaped fasteners are usually used for heavy chandeliers. The only nuance is in preparing the base. For obvious reasons, the block is not suitable in this case.
A hole for electrical wiring should be drilled in this platform. Metal “legs” are used to adjust the platform to the height of the canvas.
How to choose dowels for mounting a chandelier
For interior work use plastic dowels. Considering the possible external temperature effect of the lighting device, it is preferable to use nylon-polyamide inserts.
If the ceiling in the room is concrete, spacers will be required. In cases where the ceilings are multilayer structures with voids, it is better to use dowels.
The thickness of the element depends on the expected load. Suspended structure tends to pull the dowel out of the wall, so it is important that it has spacer tendrils and notches that additionally hold it in the thickness of the material.
To more securely secure the element in the hole, you can use construction adhesive; lubricate the dowel with it before driving it in. Do not try to screw in a screw that is thicker; it may split the liner. It is considered correct to use screws for spacer inserts.
Advice! A chandelier weighing 5÷10 kilograms is secured with an impact dowel with a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 80 mm. To complete the task you will need at least 4 dowels.
Master class for DIYers: how to fix a lamp on a suspended ceiling
And now directly about how to fix the chandelier on a stretch ceiling. As already mentioned, it is necessary to follow a clear algorithm of actions and be puzzled in advance by the location of the lighting fixture and the preparation of the base.
We offer you a small master class on how to attach a chandelier to a suspended ceiling:
| Photo | Description of work |
 | The first step will be marking the location of the lamp and pulling the cord to indicate the height of the canvas. The cord is pulled from the frame through the entire room. |
 | A block is attached to the main ceiling at the location of the chandelier. To do this, holes are drilled in the ceiling, dowels are inserted and the base is screwed with self-tapping screws. |
 | There can be several bars, depending on the height to which the fasteners need to be raised, or you can use metal “legs” that are easily adjustable in height. It is important to thoroughly sand the surface of the block that will come into contact with the canvas. |
 | The wiring is passed under the bar or between two elements. This way she won’t be pulled in case of an unforeseen situation. |
 | To accurately bring the base surface to a dense level, backing elements are used. Afterwards the PVC material is stretched. |
 | Special glue for PVC is applied to the thermal ring for the hole. |
 | Next, you should feel the base with your hands and glue the ring in the center directly to the canvas. It will take time for the glue to dry. |
 | A canvas is cut out in the inner part of the ring. Extreme care must be taken not to damage the wiring. Afterwards, the wire for connection is released into the hole. |
 | Feel the location of the bar and place the mounting strip correctly. |
 | Screw the mounting plate using self-tapping screws. Don't forget to insert the studs first. |
 | Position the chandelier so that the pins fit into the designated holes. Secure the lamp with decorative bolts. |
How to decorate the mounting location of a lamp
If you remember to use a thermal ring, the place where the chandelier is attached will already look neat. A small hole will be hidden behind the base of the lighting fixture. But if the interior design requires the creation of some kind of additional element, use lightweight polyurethane sockets. They imitate
Anyone can skillfully and correctly hang a chandelier on their own, without being an electrician or calling in specialists. Of course, installing a chandelier under the ceiling is a very serious task, but it does not require high level special training.
There are several different ways to mount a decorative lighting fixture – a chandelier – under the ceiling. The tactics are determined, first of all, by the total weight of the product. It is logical that a heavier chandelier requires solid, thoughtful mounting.
Let's consider the most effective, frequently used techniques.
Methods of mounting a chandelier
Fixing the chandelier using a hook
A metal hook is the most simplified and reliable option. There are two ways to use various types hooks:
1. When the weight of the chandelier is less than 3.5-4.0 kg, you can safely use a threaded hook. The installation technology is simple - having drilled the required hole (in diameter and depth) in the ceiling material, you need to place a plastic dowel in the channel. Then all that remains is to carefully screw in the hook to the maximum possible depth.
Attention! The hook holding the chandelier can only be attached to concrete or a solid wooden base (beams, logs, beams, etc.). It is unacceptable to mount the main element in drywall, plastic panels or decorative overlays!
2. If the lighting device is heavier than 4.0 kg, then the technology will be different. In this case, you need to use special anchor bolts (d>=10.0 mm2) with a spacer hook. Having drilled the desired channel, you need to place an anchor in it and tighten it to the limit. Now, the lamp will be securely located under the ceiling.
Read also: Materials for eco-repair. How to define environmental friendliness? How to replace hazardous building materials?
To disguise the fastening system, a decorative cup-shaped element (included with the chandelier) is used. This part slides freely along the main rod and can be fixed in its upper part. Therefore, if desired, it is quite easy to adjust the height of the chandelier.
Mounting the chandelier using a bracket or strip
The second fastening method, which involves the use of a strip or bracket, is more complex, but can be done independently.
If the chandelier kit is of high quality, it must include a metal strip (or bracket) intended for hanging. This element contains two screws that need to be secured with appropriate nuts. Now, the created complex is fixed to the ceiling, in which channels are pre-drilled and PVC dowels are installed.
The chandelier is brought to the ceiling and, by inserting bolts into special holes, is fixed under the ceiling.
Advice! If the ceiling is wooden, then the bracket is secured with wood screws required length. And when the ceiling is a plasterboard structure, you need to fix the chandelier with metal screws to the supporting profile strip!
Simplified mounting option
When the purchased chandelier is small and light, you can do without auxiliary fixing mechanisms and attach the lighting fixture directly to the ceiling surface. At the base of these chandeliers there is a small metal plate with several holes for installation.
The installation technology is extremely simple. The locations of the screws are marked and channels are drilled at these points. They are placed in the holes of PVC dowels and the lamp is secured with at least 2 screws.
The process of placing and fixing a chandelier on the ceiling is full of various nuances, among which the most significant are:
Read also: Do-it-yourself parquet scraping
1. Massive, elongated chandeliers are suitable only for placement on high ceilings, otherwise, in addition to aesthetic disharmony, there will be a danger of electric shock.
2. It is better to equip low ceilings with flat or small lamps that are close to the surface. Otherwise, distinguished guests will be in uncomfortable conditions. Also, a large chandelier model in a small room will cause constant psychological discomfort due to its low overhang.
Method of connecting a chandelier to the network
Installation issues have been addressed and now you can proceed to the most difficult stage - creating electrical system with switches. Usually the chandelier kit is supplied ready-made, but sometimes you have to make your own corrections or completely redo the local wiring.
Let's consider possible situations with switches:
Single-key switches
There are no special unclear moments here. From each lamp comes a pair of wires of the same color or different (this is not critical). One cord from all lampshades must be brought together into a single contact, and the others into a second combined twist. Now we bring one connection to the phase wire, and the second to the neutral wire, which together come from the switch.
Two-gang switch
In fact, such a relay is a combination of two single-key devices that has three outputs (a common one and two separate ones).
First, let's deal with the wires, of which we will have 4: two two-wire wires from the lampshades, a three-wire wire from the switch and a double wire from the electrical panel.
The connection principle is as follows:
— one conductor from each lamp and a neutral wire from the electrical panel are combined into one twist;
— the phase conductor from the shield is connected to the common contact of the two-key switch;
— the remaining wire from each lamp is connected to the output of one of the keys;
In specialized stores or departments shopping centers there is a huge selection modern devices lighting, which have different mounting methods and designs. There are reliable options for hanging a chandelier on concrete ceiling, which it is advisable to know about before purchasing it.
Variety of mounts for lighting equipment
Previously, lamps were of the same type and were mounted in a standard way - they were hung on a hook and the wires were connected by twisting. But modern lighting devices have different designs, ranging from shades that fit tightly to the surface, to chandeliers located on a long rod with a large number of arms. At the same time, their weight and the load they exert on the ceiling also differ greatly.
There are several ways to hang a lamp from the ceiling:
- using a hook attached to the base base and suspended from the lighting fixture;
- using a mounting strip in the form of a curved metal strip, which has two holes for fixing to the ceiling and fixed screws and studs for installing the lampshade;
- using a cross-shaped mounting product for massive lamps, which has a different number of points for fixation.
As a rule, methods of attaching a chandelier or other lighting device to the ceiling are not chosen, since it depends on the specific lamp and is described in the technical data sheet for it. But the strength and reliability of the result depends on how well the work is done.
Wires for electrical wiring
Modern, color-coded wiring is rarely found in older buildings. Typically, several wires with standard insulation are visible from a hole in the ceiling.
If the wiring is new and was carried out in accordance with the PUE standards, then the color of the wires in the cable is different. Using it, their purpose can be determined without any problems. Inexpensive lighting fixtures and old-style chandeliers often have wires of one color; they need to be ringed to make the connection.
IN modern devices all outgoing wires with color markings are collected on the block, and the sequence of actions on how to hang ceiling lamp described in detail in the passport attached to it.
Color marking, depending on the purpose of the wire, is carried out according to specific rules and therefore can be determined quite easily:
- Phase. Usually it is black, white, brown wires. There are other colors, if they do not indicate the ground or neutral wire.
- Zero. Color blue or light blue.
- Grounding. Color yellow plus green stripe.
Before attaching a chandelier to the ceiling, you need to know the purpose of each wire that is present in the lamp and in the wiring. If the lighting fixture is new, as is the electrical wiring, then the connection will go without problems. To do this, it will be enough to connect elements with similar markings on the block.
When it is impossible to determine the purpose of the wires based on their color, this is done using special devices. The main thing is to remember the safety rules and strictly follow the instructions.
Phasing
If there are no color markings on the wires, you will need an electrical device to recognize them. It is called a phase indicator and shows its presence at the end of the wire. It has an external resemblance to a screwdriver.
Such a device consists of several parts, which are:
- body made from insulating material;
- metal conductive tip;
- depending on the model, electronic display or signal LED;
- button or metal terminal.
Using an indicator screwdriver, the presence of voltage is determined as follows: hold it right hand between the thumb and middle finger, and forefinger placed on a metal terminal.
You need to touch all the wires one by one with the sting. When contact with the phase wire with voltage is made, the corresponding icon will appear on the display or the LED will light up. Phase search using an indicator is performed exclusively with one hand.
Do not touch the indicator screwdriver or the wire insulation with your other hand. The fact is that in the event of an insulation breakdown, an electric shock occurs, and when it passes from one arm to the other, there is a high probability of a sudden contraction of the heart muscle.
Phasing is done step by step:
- First of all, they de-energize the room, for which it is enough to unscrew the plugs or turn off the machine in the panel. In addition, turn off the switch going to the lamp. Old device removed, and if this was done earlier and its ends are already insulated, freed from the insulating tape. Using an indicator screwdriver, make sure there is no phase on each wire one by one. If necessary, strip the insulation so as to free approximately one centimeter of the metal core. The wires should be spread apart - they should not touch each other.
- Turn on the machine on the panel, as well as the lamp switch. An indicator screwdriver is used to touch the exposed part of the wires to determine the phase and neutral wire. To make it convenient, on neutral conductor mark with a marker, a piece of electrical tape, or fold it over. When three wires are brought out of the ceiling, and there is a two-key switch on the wall, first of all, turn on both keys, find the neutral and two phase wires and mark them. Then one of the keys is turned off to see that there is no phase on one wire. Next, turn off the second key to make sure there is no voltage on the other wire. In this case, you can connect the chandelier according to a two-stage diagram. If there is no indicator, use a multimeter instead, for which it is switched to the AC voltage measurement mode.
- At the next stage, they are looking for the place where the wiring is laid in the ceiling. This is done so as not to damage the wires when the strip for placing the chandelier is attached. For a non-contact method of determining the phase, an electronic indicator will be required. They hold it in their hand, turn on the switch and begin to move it at a short distance from the ceiling in the place where the plank is planned to be attached. When a phase wire is found, a phase sign will appear on the display. The device is carried back and forth several times, marking the boundaries where it detects the phase. As a result, the location of the cable is determined, which means the place where you should not drill. Turn off the switch and machine. Then they begin the next stage of preparation.
The process of dialing lighting devices
If the wires connected to the terminal have the same color or the marking does not meet the standard, before hanging the lamp on the ceiling, they need to be tested using a multimeter, for which the device is set to the appropriate mode.
Before starting the process, unscrew the light bulbs from the chandelier, and then proceed as follows:
- When the lamp contains metal conductive elements, and there are three or more wires, one of them may be grounding. To find out, one probe of the multimeter is placed on the conductive part of the housing, and the other is touched to the bare end of each wire or to the contacts of the connecting block. A sound indicates that a ground wire has been detected.
- To determine the neutral wire, one of the probes is placed on the side contact of any of the lamp sockets. Unmarked wires are touched until sound appears and a mark is applied to the neutral wire, the rest will be phase wires.
- In multi-arm chandeliers with two stages of lighting, sockets - one or more - are connected to all phase wires. If it is necessary to correlate them with a key on a switch, do this: attach the probe to the phase wire and sequentially touch the central contacts located on the bottom of the sockets. The cartridges connected to this wire are detected according to the sound signal. Do the same with the second phase wire.
When the luminaire wiring contains one phase wire and several stages of lighting, all sockets should be connected to it. In this case, the phase wires coming from the chandelier are combined by twisting or a jumper on the block. When the preparation of the electrical wiring and lighting device is completed, they begin to mount it on the ceiling.
Lamp installation instructions - how to hang a chandelier correctly
Before you hang ceiling chandelier, complete finishing ceilings When the hole in it from which the wires come out exceeds the size of the lamp bowl, it is sealed with putty and plaster, cleaned and painted to match the finish.
The following tools, materials and equipment will be required:
- ladder;
- indicator screwdriver and multimeter;
- drill or hammer drill;
- hammer;
- pliers and screwdrivers with insulated handles;
- a mounting knife designed for stripping wires;
- anchors, dowels, screws;
- insulating tape;
- PPE terminals or caps.
If, before hanging the chandelier on the ceiling, it is discovered that the length of the wires does not allow them to be secured in the terminals without tension, then you need to extend them. It is forbidden to twist copper and aluminum wires together, as they will quickly become covered with a green coating, resulting in poor contact. Due to constant heating, the insulation will melt, resulting in a short circuit. Therefore, they are connected with a terminal block.
Installing a chandelier on a ceiling hook
The chandelier is attached to a hook when it has significant weight and a long rod. Such lamps have special loop, which is then covered with a decorative bowl or glass.
When attaching a chandelier to the ceiling, the hook may already be mounted in the ceiling or it needs to be installed. The process of hanging the lamp is simple, and the installation of the hook deserves attention. For chandeliers weighing up to 5 kilograms, you can use a simple hook plus a plastic dowel.
To install heavy lamps, you should use hooks on anchors that are firmly fixed in the concrete. They are designed to withstand significant loads. Before hanging the chandelier from the ceiling, you need to try the hook on the bowl, since it must fit completely into it with the connecting block.
The lighting device is attached to the hook in a certain sequence:
- Turn off the switch, turn off the machine and unscrew the plugs. Determine the place where the hook will be located. You need to make sure that there is no wiring there, since if it is damaged, you will need to reposition the wires.
- The place for fixing the hook is marked with a marker. It is necessary that it be located close to the wiring.
- A hole of a certain depth and diameter is drilled in the ceiling using a drill or hammer drill. Next, an anchor is driven into it or a dowel is placed, and then the hook is screwed in.
- Before hanging a ceiling chandelier, light bulbs and fragile parts are removed from it to prevent breakage. It is hung on a hook, and the wires are connected to the block. If it is not there, then it is permissible to make a twisted connection or use PPE caps. Insulate the ground wires.
- Wires are laid inside the bowl and then it is secured so that there is a minimum gap between its edge and the ceiling. To install the bowl on the rod, usually a sealing gasket made of plastic or rubber is used, or small size cog.
- Then you need to hang the lamp on the ceiling in the chandelier and put on the shades. At the end of the work, turn on the machine and the switch in the room on the panel to make sure that the installed lamp is working.
Attaching to a concrete ceiling using a mounting strip
There is a way to hang a ceiling chandelier without a hook, which allows you to mount it on a special strip or bracket. This option usually used for lamps adjacent to the ceiling surface, and also in some cases for chandeliers with a rod.
The fastening process consists of the following steps:
- installation of the plank;
- installing a chandelier or lampshade on it.
As in the version with a hook, before hanging a chandelier from the ceiling without a hook, you need to turn off the power supply to the entire apartment or house. If the lamp is planned to be mounted in a place where there is a hook, then it should be unscrewed, and when this is not possible, it can be bent or cut down. The hole that appears in the ceiling is sealed with putty.
The process of how to hang a chandelier without a hook consists of sequential steps:
- The lighting device is disassembled, the mounting plate is unscrewed from it, breakable parts are removed and the light bulbs are unscrewed. The screws on the bar for fastening the lampshades must be tightened firmly onto the locknuts, otherwise it will be difficult to fix the lamp.
- Apply the strip to the ceiling surface and mark this place with a marker. It should be placed away from the cable. Holes of the required depth are made in the ceiling using an impact drill (perforator) and dowels are placed in them. The plank is screwed to the ceiling with screws. Additionally, the dowels are fixed with cement-based glue.
- Before screwing a chandelier or lampshade to the ceiling, the holes in the ceiling are aligned with the screws on the strip and the nuts are secured by making several turns.
- The wires coming from the ceiling surface are connected to the lamp block, and then the nuts are finally tightened and the device is mounted. If the screws are not long enough and it is not possible to connect the wiring while the device is suspended, you will need the help of a partner to support it until it is attached. You can also use a durable nylon cord to temporarily hang the chandelier from the bar.
- The lampshades are installed in place and the lamps are screwed in. Then check the functioning of the luminaire using the switch.
A chandelier is attached to a cross-shaped bar in the same way, only there will be four fixation points to the ceiling, and, if it is massive, then eight.
If you are not confident in your own electrical installation abilities, it is better to entrust the connection of lighting fixtures to professionals, since incorrect actions may result in damage to the wiring or lamp, which will void the warranty on it.
Installing and connecting lighting fixtures is the final stage of renovation in a room. A chandelier is a central piece of lighting that can still be found in almost any room. How to hang a chandelier on the ceiling and do it correctly?
Safety precautions
Electrical installation work is dangerous, because exposed cables can cause harm to health. It is important to eliminate all hazards before starting work. Rules:
- Work should be carried out during the day, when there is enough natural light.
- Prepare necessary tools so as not to be distracted while searching for them.
- Before installation, turn off the power to the cables you are going to work with.
- On the cables that come from the ceiling, check the voltage with a neon indicator. If the light on it does not light, then everything is in order, you are allowed to start connecting.
- It is optimal to connect cables using terminal blocks.
- Grounding is required.
- After the purchase new chandelier you need to disassemble it and make sure that all the screws in the socket and on the terminal blocks are well tightened. Bad contacts will always burn out.
Important! Don't buy cheap ones chinese chandeliers, as practice shows, they most often fail. This lighting element will not be used for a year or two, so it is better to find and buy a quality product. The cost of this will be higher.
Tools and materials
Before the beginning self-installation you need to prepare the tools you need:
- Power tool: drill or hammer drill. Depending on the type of surface, choose a drill for concrete, wood, or metal.
- Stepladder/table/chair. Moreover, it is undesirable to create a “pyramid”.
- A screwdriver or screwdriver, preferably a cordless one, is more convenient to work with.
- Indicator screwdriver.
- Pliers with insulated handles.
- Wire cutters.
The process requires materials, depending on the chosen installation method:
- Self-tapping screws with dowels, if fastening is carried out to concrete surface. On wood - if to wood.
- Fastening element: a hook or anchor is used.
- Connecting blocks. Sometimes they come included, but with expensive devices. If you don't have them, you need to purchase them.
General installation procedure
There are many options for how to secure a chandelier, but they differ only in the installation of the fastening element (hook, strip). The general procedure for installing any chandelier:
- Installation of fasteners for a chandelier.
- Connecting the wires, you first need to ring them to determine the phase and zero. As we remember, we are working with de-energized people. It is convenient if during the fastening process there is an assistant nearby who can hold the chandelier so that it does not fall. If there is no assistant, then the chandelier can be hung at a convenient distance from the ceiling using a strong rope.
- Next, the wires are connected. It is convenient to use pads for this. Some products have special couplings; here you just need to insert the cables that come from the ceiling and tighten the bolts on the coupling.
- If couplings and blocks are not used, then twisting is carried out and the joints must be insulated. In this case, you can use HEAT (heat shrink tubing) or electrical tape.
- The last stage is hanging the chandelier and checking its functionality.
Mounting methods
Exist different ways installation, the choice of one or the other depends on the ceiling material (plasterboard, concrete, wood), the weight of the chandelier and the fastening elements present in its design.
For lighter ones, installation using a hook is suitable. If the weight is more than 5 kg, then anchors will be required. In some cases, the chandelier should be fixed using a strip. The simplest option is to install chandeliers directly to the ceiling, without intermediate fasteners.
Fixation using a hook
In fact, you can hang any chandelier on the ceiling this way, you just need to choose the right hook.
Installing a hook for mounting a chandelier Options:
- For light devices (up to 5 kg) - a simple metal hook with thread. If the ceiling is concrete, then you need a plastic dowel of a suitable size.
- For heavy ones (more than 5 kg) - an anchor bolt with a diameter of 10 square meters. mm and spacers that will prevent the chandelier fixed to the ceiling from being pulled out.
Important! This method is suitable for all chandeliers that have a decorative bowl - it hides the mounting elements.
The procedure for installing a chandelier on a hook to a concrete ceiling:
- Make a hole of the required diameter.
- Hammer in the plastic dowel.
- Screw in the fastening hook.
- Connect the cables and cover the wiring elements with a decorative glass.
If installation is carried out on a wooden ceiling, it is still simpler - the hook is screwed into the wood. If it is very hard, then you should first drill a hole, its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the hook.
Important! The decorative hollow bowl (plate, cup holder) moves freely in height, and upon completion of hanging it is easily fixed in the upper position.
Mounting with bracket or strip
If the design of the device does not provide a loop for hanging on a hook, the previous option will not work. You need to use a bracket or bar. This option is a little more complicated, but still accessible to anyone. home handyman.
Replacing a hook with a bar The chandelier always comes with a strip or bracket. 2 screws should be inserted into this element and secured. Before tightening the nuts, set the required distance. It is determined based on the placement of holes on the chandelier plate. The screws will then be closed with decorative fastening nuts. Attach the bar itself to the ceiling using self-tapping screws, and tightly.
Sequence of installation on the strip After this, all that remains is to place the chandelier in its rightful place and secure it with those very decorative nuts.
Important! The designs of chandeliers for the first and second mounting options are very different. But if previously there was a chandelier hanging on a hook in the room, it will not be difficult to mount a model with a strip in that same place, and vice versa.
Simplified mounting option
If the chandelier is light, no heavier than 3 kg, and small in size, then it can be simply attached to the ceiling, without any intermediate hardware. Such products are distinguished by the fact that at the base there is a metal plate, most often round with mounting holes. The process is simple:
- Place the plate on the ceiling and mark the holes with a pencil.
- Drill in the right places.
- Place the plate on the ceiling and fasten it with self-tapping screws.
- Secure the lampshade.
Similar simple chandeliers They generally have only one lampshade for 1 lamp and are used for small rooms. Often hung in the kitchen, bathroom, hallway.
Chandelier with mounting to the ceiling Custom chandelier
Chandeliers with remote control are available on the market and are gaining popularity. Similar devices make it possible to control the light intensity. Other models feature an air ionization system and fans. You shouldn’t think that installing such devices will be a problem, you just need to take certain points into account:
- When choosing, pay attention to the installation and connection methods. If, after examining the device, you find any wires other than standard ones, you should check with the seller about their purpose and connection diagram.
- If you really liked the chandelier, but self-installation turned out to be too complicated, you can always resort to the services of an electrician.
We fix chandeliers in difficult situations
These options are suitable for hanging chandeliers, provided that the ceiling is fairly flat: concrete or wood. But modern ceilings can be different: tension, plasterboard. And sometimes other difficulties arise in the process, you need to know how to find a way out of such situations. The main point is to have the necessary tools and materials in your arsenal.
First challenge: low ceiling
In this case, difficulties arise even at the stage of searching for a suitable model. The easiest way is to purchase a ceiling chandelier and mount it on a double cross-shaped strip. But if similar model doesn't suit the style, you can find a way out.
Suitable chandelier for low ceilings Even a chandelier with a rod can be mounted, but a hook will not be used. This will make it possible to save up to 15 cm in height. Procedure:
- Cut the standard complete strip so that after lifting the decorative cap, it is completely hidden under it.
- Remove all fragile elements from the device, if possible remove the rod.
- Remove the wires from the terminal block.
- Behind the thread, along the rod, drill 3 holes. Each, with a diameter of 4–5 mm. They all must be covered with a cap.
- Stretch fishing line through the holes, screw it to the wires and wrap it tightly with tape.
- Having installed the rod in place, carefully move the wires along it, tightening the fishing line. This must be done until the wires appear from the holes.
- All that remains is to connect the wires to the terminal block.
- After these steps, the rod will be placed between the two complete nuts; all that remains is to fix the bar and connect the wires.
Important! To avoid flickering of the light, it is better not to “twist” the cables. It is worth resorting to soldering and insulating with ordinary electrical tape.
Second difficulty: plasterboard ceiling
This is the most common difficulty, because leveling the ceiling with plasterboard is quite easy, but installing a chandelier is more difficult. This material it is not designed to withstand the load (including the ceiling, it is thinner than the wall) even from a light chandelier, so it is never attached directly to the sheet.
When attaching sheets of drywall to suspended ceiling, you need to mark the places where the profiles pass, because it is in them that it is most reliable to mount any device. Another option is to attach a block to the ceiling at the installation site. It should be of such thickness as to cover the distance between the sheet and the rough ceiling; of course, this place must be marked.
If this is not done, then you will have to make a hole in the sheet in such a way as to get to the rough material: concrete or wooden ceiling. The installation activities mentioned above are already taking place there.
Third difficulty: suspended ceiling
When installing tension fabric, owners do not always want to use spotlights, which, through special device It is easy to install on such surfaces. As for the chandelier, it is better to think about the fact that it will be installed even before installing the canvas, since a special platform made of plywood and metal plates must be placed under it. To do this, you need to decide on the location, size of fasteners, and type of installation.
Sectional installation of a chandelier to a suspended ceiling Important! It is impossible to attach a chandelier to an already stretched canvas. An attempt to puncture will result in the panel (PVC or woven) coming apart and having to be replaced; it cannot be repaired. The hole can no longer be patched.
If the bar is fixed, then the chandelier can be hung on it in any way. In this case, it is necessary to plan the gap taking into account the fact that the canvas will “walk”. But it’s still better not to experiment with this yourself and resort to the services of specialists stretch ceilings. This will definitely be cheaper in price than ordering a new canvas and installing it accordingly.
