Pendant lights are basically lamps that are suspended and dropped from the ceiling using a chain or metal rod. There can be multiple ways to use pendant lamps; they can be used in the kitchens, study rooms or bathrooms.
They are accessible in many designs and materials; they can be made of metals, glass or concrete or even plastic. They are not exactly chandeliers but a type of it that are hanged from ceilings. In this article, we’ll provide step by step process of How to Hang a Plug In Pendant Lamp
In comparison to a chandelier pendant lamps have multiple spread-out arms, which is slightly more than a bulb hidden beneath a shade wavering at the end of a cord.
However, there is a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, varying from 4-inch-diameter tiny cylinders to enormous 30-inch lamps. Few of these lights shed light over a slightly wider area, giving the region a welcoming glow; while others are designed to beam the light on one particular spot such as the kitchen island, or on a picture of the family.
Although you can hire an electrician or a professional to hang a plug-in lamp in your house, doing it yourself could be entertaining and help you learn in the process as well. Moreover, it’s a fine ability to store in your mental toolbox.
Hanging a pendant light at the side of the bed is an effective way to include mood or task lighting to the room. Moreover, these pendant lights are hung in the latest homes as a style statement. This is especially true because they provide a practical solution to add diverse types of lighting.
Whatever technique you prefer, the hanging pendant lights will certainly add a level of style sophistication and chic look to your bedroom or the house in general.
As a rule of thumb, pendants lamps are typically hung anywhere between 28-36 inches on top of the target surface, and around 60-70 inches from the base of the shade to the ground. Likewise, when it comes to hanging numerous pendant lights, they must be spaced out at 24-30 inches.
You do need to rely on your father or an electrician to hang a pendant lamp. Learn the process of how to hang a plug in Pendant lamp in a few easy steps.
How to Hang a Plug in Pendant Lamp
Step 1: Safety First
Whenever you are working with electric fixtures, it is imperative to remember that you must switch off the electric circuit from the central panel.
Do not attempt to operate on live wires. In order to ensure that the circuit breaker is switched off, flip the room’s light switch button to confirm that no electric power is still on in the room you are planning to work in.
Step 2: Get rid of the old lights
After that, unbolt and lower the old light’s top which is the decorative, concave shaped disk aligned with the ceiling to get away in the electrical box.
Carefully get rid of the twist-on connectors from the electric wiring. Verify that there is no current by means of connecting the two wires with an electrical tester. If the tester’s light does not come on, disengage all the cabling to free the light/lamp.
Tip: Simply ask for help and hand the old light to someone else instead of climbing down with it.
Step 3: Get rid of the Electric Box
Unscrew the nails that grip the electrical box to its metal hanger bar. In some cases, there might be no screws which indicate that the box is probably secured to a joist. Utilize a flat bar to loosen up the box free.
For a plastic box, make use of a screwdriver to release the bendable fin that confines the lead, and then drag the cable free. However, if it is a metal box, slacken the screws on the wire connector, and then slide out the cable.
Step 4: Install the Fan Brace
Get the fan brace from the particular box and rotate the hexagonal bar to trim down the brace to its smallest direct length. Subsequently, skid the brace up from inside the hole and place it on top of the ceiling.
Ensure that the feet are flatly resting. Spin the hexagonal brace using your hands until you believe that its spiky prongs have been dug into the joists.
Step 5: Tighten the fan brace
When you are unable to tighten the brace with your hands, you can employ an adjustable wrench for few more turns to completely entrench the prongs in the beam.
Tip: Do not stiff up the fan brace because it causes tension in the joists which can result in nail pops.
Step 6: Set up the New Electrical Box
Make use of a slotted screwdriver to loosen up the knockout plugs from the surface of the metal box. If you have a box that does not have a basic cable connector, then fasten a nonmetallic connector to the hole.
Clutch the electric box near the ceiling and insert the end of the wire through the cable connector. Drag out about six inches of the lead into the box, and then stiffen the connector screws to secure the cable in place.
Step 7: Fasten the Box
After locating the extension, bolt and hex nuts that are with a fan base, slip the bolt over the brace. After that slide the extension onto the threaded ends; place a nut on it and tighten it. Align the two holes of the electrical box with the ends of the bolt. Later you can tighten the box with the ceiling.
Step 8: Connect the Wires
Remove the plastic cover from your new pendant lamp/light. Cut down the cables and take out chain links so the pendant lamp will dangle at the precise height.
Thread the wire first into the pendant lamps chain holder and later put it in the fixture-mounting bar. Elevate the light and rotate the mounting bar to the box. Cover the cable’s copper lead around the foundation screw, stiffen it, and then attach the wire’s end to the pendant lamp’s ground wire. Subsequently, shred ½ inch of insulation off the pendant lamp’s wiring.
Step 9: Secure the Canopy
Cautiously fold and push the leads up into the electrical box. Slide the pendant’s canopy and press it against the ceiling. You must ensure that the cables do not poke out because they will take away the beauty of it. Lastly, install the bulbs and let your room brighten your day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hanging a pendant lamp require a lot of tools?
No, hanging a pendant lamp doesn’t require a lot of tools. It depends on the method you use to hang your pendant lamp. To accomplish the steps we gave in this article, you will need a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, wire connectors, and a light fixture.
What are the types of pendant lamps?
The popular pendant lamps are pendant bar lights (linear pendants), pendant lamp shades, pendant clusters, and ceiling pendants. Pendant bar lights, as the name suggests, refer to lights that hang over a bar. It is most common in the kitchen. There are several pendant lights on a bar, usually hung over long tables or areas where you need a long row of lights. They come in different shades, shapes, bulbs, colors, and sizes.
Pendant lamp shades have a bulkier appearance than the other types on the list. Some pendant lamps hang as single lighting fixtures with a shade made of cotton, glass, or linen.
Pendant clusters are similar light fixtures held together as a single lamp. They are elegant, and even though several lights are hanging, they do not appear bulky. Sometimes the individual lights can hang at different lengths for versatility.
Ceiling pendants refer to a lamp with a single bulb in its fixture. There are different colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from. The ceiling pendant is usually held by a metal rod, chain, or cable. They are useful in general lighting, task lighting, or area lighting.
Can I hang pendant lamps anywhere?
Yes, you can hang pendant lamps anywhere. The most important benefit of pendant lamps is their versatility and elegant display. They can light up any room and lift its appearance. The popular places where people usually hang pendant lamps are hallways, homes, and restaurants.
Is it possible to hang pendant lamps without any electrical work?
Yes, it is possible to hang pendant lamps without any electrical work. You will need ceiling hooks/anchor, a swag light, a bulb, a cord kit, a pendant lamp shade, and raceways to hide the cord.
The first step is to determine where you want to hang your light. Make sure the cord is long enough to reach an electrical outlet. If it isn’t, you can plug an extension box/board into the outlet, where you can later plug the cord to the box. Screw in the ceiling hook to the exact spot.
If you want to hang a heavy lamp, use an anchor instead of a hook. Hang the light from the hook. After that, put the shade over the lightbulb, then connect the cord. Hang the cord from the hook, run it along the corner of the wall, then use a pin to secure it. Cover the cord along the wall with raceways, then plug in the cord to the outlet to light up the pendant lamp.
How long does it take to hang a plug-in pendant lamp?
It takes about thirty minutes or less to hang up a plug-in pendant lamp. If you follow the steps we’ve outlined above, you should complete the entire process without hassle.
What are the rules for hanging pendant lights?
The bottom of your pendants should sit 30 to 36 inches above the floor. This height is a good guideline because keeping the light bulbs away from other electrical components is best.
