Sunday, May 11, 2008

How to Install Your New Chandelier

Chandeliers offer a dazzling way of welcoming your guests inside your home. It serves as a mealtime companion while you and your guests feast on a sumptuous meal you have prepared. It adds impact to the ambience of a room. However, if you are deterred by the thought of installing your new chandelier, here are some basic steps to follow.

Switch off power

You must switch off the power to the circuit on which you intend to work.

Remove old chandelier, if any

Disconnect and remove the old chandelier, if any, from the junction box. You may need someone else to help you to support the weight of the old chandelier as you disconnect it. It is important that you should know how the old chandelier is connected before you take it off. You can also mark the wires with tape and a pencil of reference later on.

Replace junction box

Replace junction box only if it is not strong to hold the weight of your new chandelier. Once determined, you can proceed with the installation by threading your new hardware onto the mounting strap. Use the existing screw holes to secure it into the junction box. However, if there is no existing mounting strap, you will have to install one. You can buy it from a local hardware or use the one that came with the new chandelier.

Wire the chandelier

Wire the new chandelier the same way the old one came out. Simply connect the white wires with white ones and black wires with black ones. Start the wiring process by stringing wires through the last link on the chain, and then through the support nut, collar nut, escutcheon plate, and up through the lamp nipple, and finally into the junction box. Connect your wires by tying in to the home wiring using wire nuts (plastic connectors). You?ll tie in by splicing the black hot wire from the junction box with your wire nuts. Then you will splice the white neutral wires. Connect the ground wires to the green grounding screw in the junction box. Use the manufacturer?s instruction for the new chandelier to complete the rest of the installation.

Chandeliers are varied in styles, weights and designs. Styles may have ornate fixtures, a just simply a fixture which hangs from a chain or wire. Weights of chandeliers are important with regards with the junction box. This box contains all the wiring connections in the ceiling, so it must be strong to hold the weight of the new chandelier. Sizes of chandeliers should be about 12 inches narrower than the width of the table cover which it hangs. Total wattage of bulbs must be 200 to 400 to provide sufficient light.

To give you some tips, a room size of 10? by 10? or less, use a chandelier 17? xo 20? in diameter; a room size of 12? by 12?, use a chandelier 26? or 27? in diameter; a room size of 14? x 14?, use a chandelier of 24? to 36? in diameter.

You might need the following additional tools for efficient installation aside from those enumerated above, namely: stud, hickey, utility knife, circuit tester, pliers, insulated screwdrivers, multipurpose tools.

Ma. Roma Agsalud

http://www.goldenageusa.com

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, May 9, 2008

How To Install A New Chandelier


Many people will feel they will need to acquire the skills of an electrician to install their new chandelier, lantern or wall sconce. This is by far the safest way of doing the job and you should make the necessary enquiries to obtain the skills of a licensed and qualified electrician. However there are many people who are interested the field of do-it-yourself. If there is a light or electrical wiring at the point where you wish to install and you feel that the electrical installation and physical hanging of a chandelier is within your means then there are a few basic points to remember before proceeding. Be aware that if the light connection is on the outside of a house, for instance the installation of a new lantern, additional care needs to be taken over the waterproofing of the electrical system. This article does not propose to go into installing a new electrical light circuit. You may also like to contact an electrician just to ensure that you have a backup should you find the job beyond your means.

First and foremost is to be aware of the legal and safety requirements with electrical fittings. You may need to check with your Landlord and/or the local authorities that you have the right to modify your electrical circuits. It is particularly relevant if you have a listed building. You should read and familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions of the new lighting fixture. Check that none of the parts mentioned are missing, nor that it excluded a necessary part such as the supporting chain. You need to ensure that you have everything, parts and tools, needed to complete the job. You should establish that the point of fixing or hanging (on the ceiling) is strong enough to hold the weight of the chandelier or wall sconce. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the method of replacing the light bulbs since this is something you will certainly have to do at some point in time. In fact it would generally be easier to install the chandelier and then add the light bulbs at the end.

It then goes without saying that you need to turn off the electricity supply. However since that may be inconvenient for the length of time it takes to install the lighting system, you may be able to establish from the safety trip fuse box (breaker box) exactly which electrical circuit you are using and the appropriate switch to turn it off. This is a fairly simple operation: you simply turn off one trip switch at a time and see if the light you are replacing goes on or off. Something that is indispensable when working with electrical circuits is one of those simple screwdrivers with a built-in light to enable electric currents to be detected. This allows an additional confirmation that the electrical wires are not alive.

With the wiring that you are working on now safely turned off, we proceed with dismantling the old fitting making careful note of the wiring and in particular the color of the wires; it will certainly be worth making a small diagram if the wires are complicated or you expect the job to take a long time. An alternative would be to use masking tape and labeling the wires.

With the above preparations completed, the actual process of installing the new lighting system should go smoothly. Once the chandelier is installed, you will need to do a test of the circuit. If you followed my advice about leaving the light bulbs out until the end, now is the time to put one in place and test it by turning the electrical circuit back on. If problems occur that you feel you are unable to solve, then contact a qualified electrician for advice or to complete the job.

Julian Pollock is a practising accountant and a trained therapist as well as a successful web site publisher. Among his publications are numerous articles on chandeliers, candelabra and lanterns (chandelier-mall.com).

Labels: , , , ,

Choosing Your Chandelier


From days of yore chandeliers have always been highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. They set the scene. They are a display of opulence and give an atmosphere of grandeur, status and wealth. The size and complexity of the chandelier, particularly the dazzling crystal chandelier with its sparkling prisms that cascade the room with rainbows, proclaimed the eminent owner's degree of luxury lifestyle. They would be and still are today often found in the entrance halls, foyers and atriums of celebrated public establishments, theatres and the like.

Nowadays the demand for chandeliers, and particularly for different varieties of chandeliers, has increased beyond imagination; such that they have become far more commonplace in the last few decades. The huge increase in the differing styles of chandelier may seem bewildering to someone who wants to buy a one but without a clear idea of exactly which sort. Here are some guidelines to help clarify exactly what will be suitable for you.

The first important point to consider is exactly where the chandelier will hang. Will it be in the entrance hall, living room, dining room, or wherever? Then you will need to decide upon its exact location within that room so as to be able to judge the right size. You will need to know the minimum and maximum height and width dimensions. Obviously you need a chandelier that fulfils your intention for buying it. If the room it is to go in has a high ceiling, you will automatically need a larger size chandelier. If it is to go in a cozy alcove, you will want to make sure that no one is going to bang their head when they walk under it. Generally chandeliers hang from a chain that is attached to the ceiling, so you have a degree of flexibility as to its height from the floor. The type of lighting is another concern. If you use normal electric bulbs, you will need to be able to replace them occasionally. If you have chosen a candle chandelier (originally all chandeliers had candles for lights), then you need to consider that they will need replacing continually.

If you're ceiling is not so high, you would obviously do better to choose an appropriately diminutive model and then you also have options of complementing the chandelier with additional lighting such as standard or table lamps, wall sconces and the like. The Italian and Murano chandeliers are particularly elegant as well as being compact. You would do well to consider having dimmer switches for your lights. This enables you to create different ambiances as well as controlling the energy consumption - an important consideration in our forever changing world.

Julian Pollock is a practising accountant and a trained therapist as well as a successful web site publisher. among his publications is a website on chandeliers, candelabra and lanterns (chandelier-mall.com).

Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Alabaster Chandeliers

Alabaster chandeliers are gorgeous in concept and design, giving a sophisticated soft look to the room. The finishes chosen are generally light, such as a tortoise finish, in order to compliment the alabaster and bring out its beauty.

Alabaster chandeliers are manufactured in Valencia, Spain and other places and are customized according to specifications. They generally come with a 10-year warranty against tarnishing and factory defects and a 30-day money back guarantee. Prices range from $700 to $6000 or more, depending on model, width, height and design of the shades used.

One could go for traditional chandeliers that feature classic craftsmanship. Some designs include, for example, a cluster of iron scrolls, which beautifully accent glass lamps made of alabaster. Others come in sienna-cast alabaster stone finish along with hand polished multi-faceted glass crystals, giving a luxurious look.

There are chandeliers that draw on the popular mission style with bold lines and faux alabaster glass combinations that come in a double-tier design. The finish is light bronze, complimenting the alabaster glass. Other chandeliers could have an antique tortoise finish with beautiful natural alabaster shades.

One could get simple alabaster chandeliers, such as an alabaster bowl on a chain, or choose more complex elaborate designs, which have a number of smaller alabaster shades.

One could browse through the selections provided on the Internet to get information on detailed specifications and pricing. Accordingly, one could place an order or get the chandelier customized according to one's own specifications.

Alabaster chandeliers are beautiful in concept and design and well worth the cost.

Chandeliers provides detailed information on chandeliers, crystal chandeliers, antler chandeliers, candle chandeliers and more. Chandeliers is affiliated with Kids Ceiling Fans .

Labels: , , , ,

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Guide on Expensive Antique Chandeliers Collections

The look and feel of antique chandeliers cast off a certain type of nostalgia, able to instantly transport us back to a simpler time and place. If you have ever seen or purchased an antique chandelier, there is no doubt that you can relate to that feeling. If you are interested in antique chandeliers, it is important to know that they can represent a major investment, and should be treated as such. Because of the delicate nature of antique chandeliers, as well as the care needed to maintain these marvelous items, we are offering this guide on expensive antique chandeliers collections. By following these simple precautions, you will be able to wisely purchase and enjoy these wonderful vintage pieces.

The most important step you can take in building a beautiful antique chandelier collection is to find a reputable dealer. Unfortunately, there are dishonest people out there who won’t think twice about taking your money in exchange for a cheap and fraudulent chandelier. So, how can you protect yourself against making a poor purchase? The best advice would be to contact a reputable antiques dealer in your home town (or state), and they should be able to put you in contact with somebody who deals in antique chandeliers. Another important fact regarding reputable antique dealers: They will possess the knowledge and information to answer all of your questions regarding any antique chandelier. If they can only give vague answers, or use general terminology, it may be best to take your money and interest elsewhere.

It is also a good idea to enlist the services of an appraiser when considering a purchase. As mentioned earlier, these expensive antique chandeliers should be looked at carefully before you actually make a purchase. An appraiser will be able to make an honest determination as to the value and authenticity of the piece you are considering.

What are some characteristics of expensive antique chandeliers? Naturally, the term “antique” implies that the chandelier is more than 100 years old, and they go as far back as the 17th century. However, most antique chandeliers that were preserved until today come from the Victorian Age as well as the Renaissance and the Gothic and Rococo Revival periods. A good number of these chandeliers will be gas, electric, or kerosene, and many of them will contain intricate and elaborate aesthetic characteristics (both on the arms as well as on the globes surrounding the candles). And though it may sound obvious, it is also worth mentioning that many of these antique chandeliers were made of brass, bronze, and crystal, and should certainly have an aged appearance.

It is also important to properly care for your antique chandelier. While it may be fine to use regular soap and water on modern chandeliers, antiques require more involved attention, and it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a restoration specialist. There are several quality services available in this field, and any reputable antiques dealer should be able to properly refer you.

Hopefully, this guide on expensive antique chandeliers collections will help you to better enjoy the wonderful beauty that antique chandeliers have to offer. It is our hope that you will always make smart choices before purchasing any antique chandeliers, and in doing so you will take great satisfaction from your collection for many years to come.

Jo Williams has an interest in Shopping & Retail and Antique Chandeliers, for more FREE information and articles please visit Antique Chandeliers Resources

Labels: , , , , , , ,