How To Make Outdoor Chandelier

If you intend to mount an outdoor chandelier on your covered deck, gazebo, or porch, ensure that you buy one that is specifically meant for the outdoors.

Select a chandelier that is made of sealed glass or weather-resistant material. Also, it should be UL-approved for outdoor wet locations.

Your outdoor lighting fixture should have sealed circuitry to prevent moisture from getting into contact with the lights.

Additionally, it must have a heavy-duty cord and rubber-coated switch. If these are in place, then you are ready to begin installing your outdoor chandelier.

Here is how to go about it:

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Steps on Installing an Outdoor Chandelier

Steps on Installing an Outdoor Chandelier

Step 1: Put Together the Base of the Chandelier Fixture

Before you do anything else, turn off the power to the circuit where the chandelier will be positioned. Have all the parts of the chandelier screwed together apart from the canopy.

Do not fix the light bulbs at this point yet. It will be safer and easier to install the chandelier without the bulbs.

Step 2: Adjust the Chain if Necessary

If your chandelier has more chains than you need to use, open the link at a chosen point of the chain and get rid of the excess length using a pair of heavy pliers.

Since this is an outdoor installation where many people might pass through, install the chandelier at least seven feet above the floor and out of the way of tall doors.

The base of your chandelier should be at least 76cm (30 inches) above the table surface to provide good illumination and avoid bumping into them.

Step 3: Set up a Mounting Strip for Your Mounting Box

Using screws of the correct sizes, install the mounting strip to your mounting box by screwing it into the junction box.

Step 4: Thread the Chandelier Wires

Thread all chandelier wires into every chain link and through the metal canopy that will cover the electrical box, the thin metal nipple that holds the wires together, and the small chain holder that connects to the top of the chain.

Step 5: Install the Chandelier

Stabilize the chandelier near the ceiling, then attach the wires.

You can have someone hold the chandelier in place or hand the chain or chain holder from a sturdy hook hanging from the mounting strip.

Step 6: Twine the Naked Copper Wires Around the Grounding Screw

Ground your chandelier and home electrical system using a naked copper grounding wire. Twine each of these around the grounding screw located at your junction box. Ensure the two wires are in contact with each other. The grounding screw is green in colour.

Step 7: Strip the Ends of the Chandelier’s Insulated Wires

Use a wire stripper to remove around 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) of each wire’s insulation to expose the bare wire.

Step 8: Connect the Neutral Wires

Locate the chandelier wire with an identifying mark, such as a groove, lettering, or groove. Then join the bare end of this wire with the white insulated wire from the junction box, then twist them together using a wire connector.

Another alternative would be to splice the wires and use electrical tape to cover the connection.

Step 9: Connect the Hot Wires

Join the insulated chandelier wire with the black insulated ceiling wire the same way you connected the neutral wires. Twist the bare ends together using a plastic wire connector.

Step 10: Mount the Chandelier

Install the chandelier onto the ceiling, guided by the instructions that came with your light fixture.

Step 11: Test the Chandelier

Fix the light bulbs, then switch the power back on to test the chandelier. If it does not come on, turn off the power counter check the wire connections, and make the necessary adjustments. If still the chandelier does not come on after doing this, get in touch with an electrician.

By following these steps, you should be good at installing your outdoor chandelier.