How to Mount a Foyer Chandelier

There are few fixtures which can better set the tone for the aesthetic design of your home upon first entry than a foyer chandelier. The foyer is the part of the home that most people will see first, and it therefore is responsible for dictating the look and feel of the remainder of the house. A chandelier not only provides ample lighting for this part of your residence, but it also helps to provide a look of sophistication and class to the space. Read on for a brief guide on how to install a foyer chandelier.

Step 1—Turn the Power Off

If you have an existing light fixture in the foyer, turn it on and check out the circuit breaker to determine which breaker switch controls power to that area. Confirm that the power to that particular fixture is completely off before you remove it from the ceiling of your foyer. Have a helper hold it in place while you remove the wire leads and lower it down. Otherwise, if you don't have a fixture there, use a voltage tester to check to be sure that the power is off at the source before you begin and before you make any physical contact with the space.

Step 2—Set the Height

The chandelier will come with a chain and wires to hang it from the ceiling. Determine how low you'd like the chandelier to hang, and be careful that it's out of the way of heads and doors in the area. Adjust the wires and the chains so that the chandelier will hang from that height.

Step 3—Install the Support Box

The support box rests over the electrical bracket on the ceiling and bears the weight of the chandelier. Install it over the bracket and secure it into place firmly with the screws that are provided in the installation kit. If there are lock nuts, tighten them on to help further secure it in place.

Step 4—Install the Wiring

Have someone hold the chandelier in place below the ceiling while you thread the wires up and through the box and into the electrical bracket. Ensure that the grounding wire is properly secured in place first, then wrap the black wire around the black terminal or wire in the box and the white chandelier wire to the white one. Wrap the base of the box in electrical tape to ensure that these wires remain in place.

Step 5—Hang the Chandelier in Place

Lift the chandelier up and tighten the nut around the threaded nipple at the base of the electric box. Tighten it by hand to avoid removing any of the finish. Secure the chandelier in place in any other way as specified by the directions. Carefully let go of the chandelier and ensure that it's properly secured, then turn the power back on, install light bulbs into the chandelier, and test it.