Installing a chandelier on a hook. How to hang a chandelier on the ceiling or I know everything myself. Mounting with mounting plate

A chandelier is not just an ordinary lighting device, which is an attribute of any interior. It also serves as an additional decorative element. Fashion does not stand still, in order to please it, it is often necessary to change the chandelier when repairing or changing the situation. However, it is not necessary to resort to the help of outsiders, you can hang the lamp from the ceiling yourself, the main thing is to follow the algorithm of work.
And even if you never happen to fix the lamp to the ceiling yourself, it will not be superfluous to at least just know how to do it correctly in order to be able to control the work of employees. Therefore, let's figure out how to hang a chandelier so that it is reliable and safe.

Basics

Initially, the installation of the chandelier begins with an inspection of the existing mounting system.
According to the type of fastening, three methods of suspension are distinguished - they are used most often (meaning specifically for chandeliers).

• fastening on powerful hooks built into the ceiling.
• suspension bracket.
• platform mounting

Attachment installation

The first option is most suitable for massive lamps that have a leg or are suspended on chains (or wires) of different lengths. The hook is able to withstand constant, substantial loads. It used to be always built in by default - even at the stage of laying floor slabs. Today, builders do not always do this.
Modern models of lamps are usually made of lightweight materials, and it is not at all necessary to make powerful fasteners for them. In addition, usually the hook is located clearly in the center of the room, and designers often shift the visual center or zone the space with the help of lighting. And then what to do with the ugly hook tightly built into the ceiling?
Therefore, in the buildings of the new model, the new settlers, at their discretion, plan the location of the chandelier, shifting it in the right direction. For hanging the lamp, a simple and reliable mounting plate is used (shown in the second photo), which successfully copes with light loads. This mounting option allows the use of flat lamp models, which, as planned, should fit snugly against the ceiling. Such systems can be mounted on suspended ceiling structures.
The latter type is used on hollow stretch and plasterboard ceilings. By themselves, these materials are not strong and stable, so the holder (in the form of a wooden block, for example) is attached directly to the concrete floor. And then a lamp is hung to it, flush with the hanging surface.
Holder profiles must be strictly parallel so that there is no increased load on any one side. The only exception is a significant difference in the planes of the ceiling, when you need to level the platform using hangers of different heights.

Work safety

During operation, you need to remember three main rules: adhere to the basics of safety, observe the polarity when connecting wires and use a secure mount. These prescriptions, like three whales, must be strictly observed.
In addition, in order to correctly (and without health consequences) install a ceiling lamp, remember the recommendations below.

The most important thing is to ensure absolute safety of work. This means that it is necessary to replace the lamp during the day in order to be able to completely de-energize the apartment throughout the entire installation period.

Even if the circuit is de-energized, be sure to check it with a special tester screwdriver with a built-in light bulb. Sometimes the residual voltage can hit very hard.

Always de-energize and test the lighting circuit when hanging fixtures from the ceiling. Mounting chandeliers is work at height, so even a slight electric shock is enough to cause more serious injury when falling from a stepladder.

New chandelier and old wiring

You need to be especially careful if your wiring is old and made of aluminum wire. Ideally, it should be completely replaced by copper, with a large cross section. This is absolutely justified, since much lower rated loads were previously laid on the chain. Therefore, it would be right to expand its throughput. If it is not possible to change the wiring, then protect yourself as much as possible by following our recommendations.
Remember - in no case do not directly connect the copper wires of the chandelier with a thick aluminum wiring cable. In close contact, both substances react, and as a result of corrosion, there is a real threat of a short circuit, and, as a result, a fire.
Therefore, put insulating solder on the copper wires, and only then screw them to the aluminum ones. In this way, all three wires are processed, to be sure, additionally solder all the joints (especially if the chandelier is installed in wet rooms, such as a bathroom). And it is better to use special clamping terminals that provide a safe and reliable connection. Models of their mass and the cost is very small.
Do not be lazy to make grounding, both for the lamp itself and for the switch. This will minimize the risk of electric shock if the neighbors suddenly flood you.

We will analyze the features of installation in rooms with different starting conditions in order to perform the installation correctly. We give three main types of ceilings: concrete, stretch and plasterboard.

concrete ceilings

chandelier hook

The most common option for attaching chandeliers to concrete surfaces is conventional hooks. If you don’t have a hook, or after a long time it has become unreliable, it’s better to play it safe and change it, strengthening the structure properly.
To do this, you will have to re-embroider the seams between the plates, going a little to the sides. A strong metal plate (or pin) is inserted into the resulting opening - it is much easier to do this if the floors are hollow. For damp rooms, it will not be superfluous to treat the plate with any enamel paint, then it will be less susceptible to corrosion.

Then the hook itself clings to the plate. The result is a reliable system that can withstand heavy loads.
A solid concrete base allows you to use the other two methods of fastening, if suddenly there is a need for this.

Stretch ceiling

Many inexperienced craftsmen often have a question - how to hang a chandelier on a stretch surface (canvas or PVC film)?
In fact, if you have a stretch ceiling installed in your room, you can mount the chandelier in the manner described above. With the only amendment that you need to hang the lamp away from the canvas, so that the heated lamps do not touch the flasks to its surface. However, most often installers resort to the third type of fastening - with the build-up of the platform.
In order to attach the chandelier at the same level with the canvas, you will need to make a solid frame. It can be a simple wooden block, set flush with the film surface. A mounting plate is screwed onto it with self-tapping screws. The fastening of all elements of the base must be rigid so that the vibrations of the tension film do not cause the luminaire to chatter.

Chandelier fixture

In addition, special gaskets are installed on both sides of the stretch film, which reinforce the perforation site. They do not allow the web to stretch under its own weight, and also act as a thermal insulating layer that protects the web from heat. They look like rings. The one that needs to be fixed from the outside is usually transparent, and it is not at all visible behind the decorative overlay of the chandelier.

Stretch ceiling preparation

The wires must also be well insulated at the junctions. And it is better to use special clamping terminals that connect and seal the joints with high quality.

Plasterboard ceilings

You can attach a chandelier to a plasterboard ceiling using the same technology as on a stretch ceiling. The second type of fastening is also used - if you plan to install a heavy chandelier. Then a bar of a suitable size is used. It is attached to the ceiling with a special collet stud. It allows you to significantly enhance the potential of the design.

Drywall fastener

A mounting plate is screwed to the base, and almost any chandelier can already be safely attached to it.

Low ceilings and other nuances

Usually, the larger the room, the larger pendant lights you can install. And they weigh a lot, and in fact they pose a real danger to residents - in the event of an unforeseen break in the fastenings and a fall.
Depending on the type of chandeliers, there are some features of fastening. For example, traditional hooks are not suitable for hanging flat luminaire models that do not have a rod. Therefore, if you have low ceilings, and you want to smooth out this drawback with a flat lamp, you will have to redo the mounting base. Change the massive hook to a flat bar. If the chandelier is small and light, it is enough to mount it on aluminum ceiling hangers.
A massive and heavy chandelier should definitely be hung on a thick steel hook, deeply “embedded” in the ceiling. Today you can buy a special, very convenient and practical hook. It is equipped with spacer bars that open during installation - like butterfly wings, and do not allow the mount to hang out and fall out.
After installing such a hook, the hole surrounding it must be primed and cemented. Wait at least a day for the mixture to set. As a result, such a mount will be able to withstand even a heavy chandelier.

Chandelier fixture

Please note that the wiring is not attached to the hook. A special chandelier holder is hung on it, and the cables are freely, without tension, located next to or around.

Scheme

Another important point in installing a ceiling light is to connect the wires correctly. Typically, lighting systems use three wires: phase, ground and zero.
It’s great if they differ in the color of the insulation - then you don’t have to guess which one is which.
The “phase” has brown (or black) insulation, grounding can be identified by the yellow braid, and “zero”, as a rule, is blue. In high-quality models of chandeliers, the wires are always marked in different colors so that there is no need to “ring out” where the phase is, where is zero. Then your task is to connect the wiring to the cables of the lamp - by color.
If all three cables look the same, you will have to empirically determine where the “phase” is located. It can be identified by bringing an indicator screwdriver in turn to each wire. When the light comes on, this cable is the “phase”. Although this popular method is far from safe, it is better to use a special tester. To avoid confusion, mark the cables with a multi-colored marker or electrical tape.

When it is planned to install a luminaire with the simplest control, a single-gang switch is enough. The assembly diagram of the lighting circuit is as follows:

Single switch

If you want to be able to turn on each lamp individually (or all together) - put a two-gang switch. Then the connection diagram will look like this (for example, a chandelier with three light bulbs is taken).

double switch

By analogy, a three-button switch is installed.
Before twisting (or terminal connection), strip 3-4 cm of wire from insulation. Do this carefully so as not to damage individual wires. It is better to use a special tool for stripping insulation.
Now you can connect the lamp, it will be correct to first connect the “zero”, and then the “phase”. If you have three wires in the circuit (that is, an additional ground is laid) - then the corresponding cables with yellow insulation are also simply connected in pairs.

The installation of a new chandelier is a rather important and significant event. Before you hang it, you need to properly assemble it. However, most products have a fairly simple device, so this step can be skipped. To figure out how to hang a chandelier, you need to determine the type of ceiling covering, as well as the method of attaching the lighting fixture.

Wire connection

It is worth starting with elementary actions. Before starting work, you should ask yourself a few questions:

• how many keys to install the switch;
• how many wires will go from the ceiling.

If there are only two wires, you can not think about the possibility of turning on individual parts of the lamp using a two-gang switch. Without the presence of a third wire, such a task would be impossible.

If there are three wires and you want to turn on the light in different parts of the chandelier at different times, the wires that go to the cartridge and the earth are collected in 1 bundle. The rest are divided into 2 other bundles.

Attention! It is important to ensure good wire contact. Otherwise, the wires will get very hot, and the housekeeper will fail.

In order to carry out the work, you should prepare the following tools:

• small screwdriver;
• open-end wrench for 12;
• screwdriver-indicator;
• pliers;
• terminal block.

The key must be collected for one task - during the assembly of the chandelier itself. An indicator screwdriver will be needed in order to determine where the wire is connected. If the tool lights up when you touch its sting, then it works.

After that, it is necessary to touch the end of the screwdriver to the cartridge. The free hand is used to hold the wires. If you touch one of them with a screwdriver, the indicator built into the tool will light up. Wires made in the same color will be ground.

Bundles that are separated must be inserted into the terminal block and secured.

Chandelier installation

To understand how to hang a chandelier, you need to choose a method for attaching it. There are 2 main options:

• on the mounting plate;
• on the hook.

Hanging a chandelier on a hook is one of the oldest and most common options. Today, this method is used less frequently. However, there are still quite a lot of chandeliers that have such fasteners.

Some home masters can solve this problem on their own. They simply change the plastic hook for a homemade hook made from a welding electrode.

The mounting plate is a special product that is mounted to the ceiling. It is usually sold complete with a chandelier. Before installation, the plank must be properly prepared. It is necessary to fix the screws on it so that the caps are in the inside of the bar. However, you should not pinch them. Then you need to insert the bar into the chandelier. It needs to be done in a certain way. The bar should be flush with the edges of the lamp bowl. It is also possible that it will be below the edges of the bowl.

After checking, it is necessary to tighten the screws in the bar to prevent them from torsion. Then the bar is applied to the ceiling in order to mark the attachment points. After that, holes for dowels are drilled in the ceiling. With their help, a bar is installed, and then a pendant chandelier is mounted. In the presence of a wooden base of the ceiling, the bar should be fixed with self-tapping screws.

Connection

Checking the presence of voltage is quite simple. To determine it, you should use an indicator screwdriver. When touched with a sting to the wires, it should not glow. After the power is turned on, the indicator will show voltage only on 2 wires. The rest is "ground". It must be connected to a common beam.

Attention! It is impossible to mount housekeepers if the lamp was connected through a special device that regulates the brightness of the glow.

To figure out how to hang a chandelier on different ceilings, you should get acquainted with their types and features.

Chandelier with power supply

Often, owners of apartments or private houses want to increase the brightness of the glow, using more powerful lamps for this. As a result of such modifications, the pendant chandelier may cease to function. To protect the transformer, it is worth monitoring the total electricity consumption of all lamps. It must be less than the output power of the device.

For halogen lamps, the pendant chandelier is connected to a transformer. This avoids overheating and explosion of light bulbs. This is due to the fact that halogen products are designed for 12V.

Important! If a direct connection is made, the bulbs must be rated 220V. If the condition is not met, halogen lamps will simply explode.

It is worth remembering that all wires are carefully insulated. It is necessary to check their integrity throughout. This condition is a mandatory security requirement.

Fixing to concrete floor

To mount the chandelier on the bar, you should first mark the places of its installation. To do this, you need to drill holes for fasteners. When making a ceiling from slabs with voids, you should check how thick the concrete is in the place where the drilling will be performed. In some cases, you have to step aside to secure the dowel more securely.

If it is impossible to hammer the dowel in a certain area of ​​​​the ceiling, you can simply change the position of the planks. You can also insert a wooden rail into the cavity of the plate. In this case, the bar is screwed with screws. To perform such work, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate tools:

• perforator;
• anchors, dowels or screws;
• victorious drill;
• screwdriver

Note! Before starting drilling, care must be taken that the tool is not dusty. Also, it should not get trash. To protect the puncher, you will need to install a disposable glass on the drill. You can also use half a rubber ball as protection.

It is worth remembering that the bar must be fastened carefully, without extra effort. Otherwise, it can be bent. The part is installed depending on the selected mounting method. Instead of a hammer drill, you can use an impact drill. However, it is worth choosing it taking into account the power and volume of the proposed work.

Plasterboard ceiling

What are the features of hanging a chandelier on a plasterboard ceiling? It is important to maintain its attractive appearance, as well as high mechanical strength. To do this, determine what type of chandelier will be. There are several recommendations:

• The place where a large pendant chandelier will be installed should be reinforced with a metal profile. Such work is carried out even when creating the frame of the finishing ceiling.
• If you are installing a small chandelier, you should purchase special fasteners. These include butterflies and folding dowels. Strengthening in this case is not required.

When working, it is necessary to comply with safety requirements. The electrical system must be de-energized and the ceiling structure installed as firmly as possible.

Attention! If it is impossible to de-energize the room, it is necessary to work with rubber gloves. This will ensure the complete safety of the installer. Also, all work should be carried out only with high-quality tools.

Drywall is highly durable, which allows installation directly to the material. However, there are certain restrictions in this case:

• Since the drywall sheet is able to withstand loads up to 6 kg / sq. m, you should prefer a chandelier, which is lightweight.
• It should also be noted that the drywall sheet may be deformed during the repair of the device. For example, when you need to change the lamp, you should be very careful with the chandelier. Also, do not change the hanging product frequently. In addition, it is impossible to make new ones next to the old holes for attaching the chandelier.

First you need to consider the main options for attaching a pendant chandelier. First, a hole is made in the ceiling material, into which the dowel is then inserted.

Attention! The spring fastening element should be tightened with a nut. The butterfly is pulled up with a self-tapping screw. At the same time, a click will be heard. The dowel comes with a hook. After such work, you can mount the chandelier. Then the connection is made.

Wiring is connected while holding the chandelier under the ceiling. Only then can the suspension device be fully attached to the ceiling. This job is best done by 2 people. One will hold the chandelier, the other will connect the electrical wiring. If help is not expected, it is better to make a small hook to hang the chandelier temporarily. This will prevent mechanical damage to the suspended product.

Stretch ceiling

If the ceiling is stretched, you should think in advance what type of pendant chandelier will be installed. You also need to decide on the fixture of the lighting device.

In order not to spoil the appearance of the ceiling, and also not to violate its integrity, you should choose the right chandelier. It can be designed for both energy-saving light bulbs and incandescent lamps. In the latter case, the cartridges should look to the side, not up. Also, they should be hidden in the ceiling. In the case of an energy-saving option, the pendant chandelier will not heat up.

Attention! When hanging a luminaire from a tension structure, it should be remembered that its surface may be deformed due to high temperature. To avoid this, it is better to screw LED bulbs into the sockets.

In addition, before starting work, you should check the base of the lighting structure. If it has sharp edges, the film can easily tear. There are several ways to mount a chandelier to a stretch ceiling:

• If the apartment has a stretch ceiling, the best solution is to hang the chandelier on a hook. This method will be the simplest and most reliable. However, this method can only be applied in the case of hanging chandeliers.
• If there is a concrete slab above the tension structure, and the hook has already been fixed by the builders, it is necessary to determine the height of its installation. It may be incorrectly selected.
• If it is necessary to change the location of the hook for the chandelier, use an anchor to install a new fastener. The old one is cut off by a grinder.
• There is also another way - a wooden embedded element is mounted at the place where the chandelier is attached. The hook is attached to it.

Currently, chandeliers, in addition to their main task - to illuminate the room, also perform the function of an element of decor. Not only safety, but also the degree of illumination of the room and its interior depend on how correctly the installation of the chandelier is made.

In contact with

Classmates

Before you start installing a chandelier, you need to think about which model to choose, to estimate how it will be in harmony with the interior of the room. Since the assortment of this product in stores is quite wide, before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of chandeliers and the materials from which it can be made.

Types of chandeliers

There are the following types of chandeliers:

• Ceiling (plafonds). These chandeliers are perfect for almost any room. Plafonds are usually presented in the form of a ball, square or cube, made of plastic or glass. Plafonds can be represented not only in various forms, but also in various colors.
• Hangers. Usually installed in the kitchen or in a large living room. Such chandeliers are attached to a cord, chain or string. Made from glass, fabric or plastic.
• Classic. It will look great in a spacious room with a high ceiling. Distinguished by their sophisticated and luxurious look. They are made of crystal, metal, glass, etc.

Types of fasteners for chandeliers

The question of how to hang a chandelier if its owner does not have special knowledge in electricity is asked by many. First you need to determine what type of fastener is present on the lighting fixture.

Hook for fastening

Usually, the type of fastener depends on the design of the chandelier and the materials from which it is made. The main types of fasteners are as follows:

1. wall;
2. Ceiling;
3. Embedded;
4. Mixed.

Ceiling fasteners are considered the most common and easy to install. The most difficult will be the installation of a chandelier with built-in and mixed fixtures.

Installation of a chandelier, regardless of the fasteners on which it will be attached, must be carried out according to certain rules:

• Before installing the device, the power supply must be switched off. This is the most important condition, since all actions aimed at installing a chandelier and working with wiring can be life-threatening.
• All bare wires and metal parts of fasteners must be insulated;
• When installing the chandelier directly, it is better to remove all the shades, in order to avoid their falling. In addition, it is much easier to install a chandelier without weighty elements than with them.

Standard ceiling mount

Tools required for installation

One person can hang a small chandelier, but there are models weighing 8-10 kg, in which case it is recommended to install the device together. During operation, the following tools may be needed:

• Stepladder, table or chair. You can use a nightstand or other securely fixed object that can support the weight of an adult;
• or , depending on the material on which the device will be mounted, as well as the thickness and strength of the walls or ceiling.
• Stationery knife, hammer, screwdrivers, screwdriver, electrical tape;
• , anchors, dowels, screws (depending on fastening).

How to hang a lighting fixture on the wall?

The wall mount is a metal fastener that can be easily mounted to almost any surface. To install the luminaire on a wall mount, you must:

• Attach the body of the lighting device to the wall;
• Mark on the wall the points where it will be necessary to make holes;
• Make holes using a drill or puncher;
• Attach the case to the wall;
• Through the terminal block, connect the device to the mains. The terminal block is located inside the luminaire and is a small case in which the contacts necessary for fastening wires and cables are located;
• Assemble the lamp and check its operation.

Preparing the wiring for the chandelier

How to hang a chandelier on a ceiling mount?

Before you hang a ceiling chandelier, you need to understand what type of fasteners it has. Usually, ceiling mounts are presented in two types:

1. In the form of a hook. A chandelier with such a mount will be hung on a hook, securely
2. screwed into the ceiling.
3. Plank-shaped. In this case, the bar is firmly mounted in the ceiling, and then a chandelier is attached to it.

Both fastener options are the most common, and their installation is quite simple and does not require special skills and abilities. Very often, the hook is mounted on the ceiling during the construction of the house.

Installing a chandelier on a ceiling hook

If the ceiling hook is not provided, then you can install it yourself as follows:

• Drill a hole;
• Screw a metal anchor into it;
• Screw the hook;
• Insulate the hook with electrical tape. This procedure is carried out for security purposes.
• Check for strength and hang the chandelier.

If the ceiling is wooden, you can use a self-tapping hook that is directly screwed into the ceiling.

The ceiling hook is considered the most reliable mount that can withstand even the heaviest lighting fixture.

Hole for a chandelier in a stretch ceiling

Installing a chandelier on a mounting plate

Before you hang the chandelier, you need to fix the bar. For this you need:

• Attach the bar and mark the place of its intended attachment;
• Make holes;
• Put dowels;
• Screw the bar with screws;
• After making sure that the wires are de-energized, connect the wires to the electrical wiring of the house;
• Hang the chandelier so that the decorative cap fits snugly against the ceiling surface.

If there is a hook at the installation site of the bar, it must be bent to the ceiling so that it does not interfere.

Cross bar mount

The cross bar, in fact, is a kind of mounting. Its advantage is that due to its larger coverage area and more holes for which it is attached to the ceiling, the cross plank holds massive chandeliers better. Thanks to these factors, it is a better holder than a regular plank.

Its installation is carried out according to the same rules as on a rectangular bar, with the only difference being that more holes will have to be drilled, usually four.

Hook fastening in a hole

Installation of a chandelier on a false or stretch ceiling

The scheme for connecting a chandelier to a plasterboard ceiling is slightly different from mounting it to a regular ceiling. If it is necessary to fix a heavy chandelier on a hook, then a small hole is made in the drywall through which the hook will be mounted into the concrete surface. This is not difficult to do with a special nozzle for, for example, wood crowns. It is impossible to mount the hook directly on suspended or stretch ceilings.

If a small device is attached with a strap, then installation can be done using plastic or metal fasteners on the drywall sheet itself.

Features of installation on a false or stretch ceiling

It is better to take care of the fastening for the chandelier before the tension of the new ceiling, so it is very difficult to make a high-quality installation of the lighting device on such a ceiling, especially if the chandelier is supposed to be installed independently. The fact is that when creating a hole in a stretch ceiling, the fabric or film begins to spread over time.

For a chandelier installed on such a ceiling, only LED lamps are suitable, since stains appear on the ceiling from ordinary light bulbs.

Installed chandelier on a stretch ceiling

Is it worth doing the installation yourself?

Should I call an electrician or can I hang the chandelier with my own hands? This question is the most relevant for owners of a new lighting fixture. In general, following the instructions, anyone can hang a chandelier on their own. An important condition is the observance of safety regulations and the de-energization of electricity during the work performed. If the chandelier is large in size or weight, then it is better to do the installation with two people.

Traditionally, it is believed that connecting a chandelier is a difficult task that a professional electrician should perform. But, there is nothing difficult in connecting two or four wires, so any man can easily hang a new chandelier in his house with his own hands.

Connecting a chandelier in a new home

If this is a newly built private house, and if it is being built independently, then it all starts with the wiring. Usually, it is made internal. Although, you can use external wiring, which is retracted into a decorative casing.

Internal wiring

A special groove is made in a concrete, brick or wooden wall for electrical wires. This groove is called a groove. You can make it either with a special device, a wall chaser, or an ordinary chisel. In the case of a wooden wall - a chisel. The same groove is made in the ceiling.

Creating a channel for wires

The wire is placed in a special casing, which is closed from above during the interior decoration of the room. Do not forget about the junction box, from which the wires should diverge to the chandelier, to other lamps, to the socket and to the switch.

Junction box

The presence of a junction box will facilitate the replacement of a piece of electrical wiring if necessary.

External wiring

The principle of laying external wiring is the same, with the only difference being that the strobe is not made, and the wire is fixed directly on the wall in an insulating decorative casing.

Wires in an insulating casing are hidden in the wall

If the switch is single-key, then two wires go from it to the chandelier. And if two-key - then four. Usually, the pairs of wires in the chandelier itself are of different colors, so there are no connection problems.

Connection diagram of a single-gang switch

When conducting wiring, it must be borne in mind that to connect the chandelier, it is necessary to leave sufficiently long ends. This will make it easier to connect. Surplus can always be hidden either in a hole in the wall or behind the decorative cover of the chandelier.

Chandelier mounting types

There are chandeliers that are quite heavy. And the safety of people under it depends on how well it is fixed. How it will be attached must be decided by looking at the fastening provided by the manufacturer. Usually, it is of two types:

• fastening with a strap;
• fastening with a hook.

How to hang a chandelier with a plank

Almost all modern chandeliers are attached with a strap. It is a strip of metal, which is fixed to the ceiling with self-tapping screws. To make the fastening secure, you need to drill two holes in the ceiling. Plastic chopsticks are hammered into the holes, to which the bar is attached with screws. Self-tapping screws, entering the chopiks, expand them, which makes such fastening even more reliable.

Photo: fixing a chandelier with a strap

After the bar is fixed on the ceiling, it is necessary to connect the wires to the chandelier. Here it is better to use the services of an assistant who will hold the product. Although, you can temporarily hang the chandelier at some distance from the ceiling with a strong and thin nylon rope. And after connecting the wires, hang it the way it should hang. In this case, one person can do all the work.

You should always use a ladder for this kind of work. No need to stack stools, tables, etc. This is dangerous for your health.

Wire connections may vary. On modern products, special couplings are sometimes made at the ends of the wires. Wires that come out of the ceiling are inserted into these sleeves and secured with a bolt. If there are no couplings, then the ends of the wiring and the wires of the chandelier are simply twisted together. They just twist. You can not connect the wires simply by making hooks at their ends, since the connection must be strong.

Photo: wire connections using a terminal block

Everything is insulated with high-quality insulating tape. If the wires are copper, consisting of many strands, then all the strands must be twisted together before connecting. Of course, the ends of the wires must first be cleaned of insulation.

On modern chandeliers at the ends of the wires there are special couplings for connection: just press the spring with a button or lever, insert the wire and that's it!

After the wires are fastened and insulated, you need to lift the chandelier and hang it on the bar. Usually, there is no problem with this. Each chandelier has a decorative casing with which you can close the ends of the wires. This work is facilitated when, during gating, in the place where the chandelier will hang, provide an additional recess.

How to hang a chandelier on a hook

If fastening to the bar is not provided, then a hole is drilled in the ceiling, a plastic chop is driven into it, and a hook is screwed into it. Usually the key is equipped with a special latch, which is driven into the drilled hole and then screwed in to expand the spacer. The concrete ceiling is drilled with a Pobedite drill to a depth of about 7-8 cm.

How to hang a chandelier from the ceiling with your own hands? It would seem like a question. Slide the upper cap of the chandelier down, hang it on a hook, connect the wires, slide the cap on - that's all. But even in this, the simplest case, difficulties can arise. Which? Let's figure it out.

How are chandeliers hung?

There are four ways to hang chandeliers:

• The ceiling hook is the oldest and most reliable. Requires a solid ceiling and special fastening in it.
• Standard mounting plate (bracket) - due to the distribution of the load on several attachment points with a small weight of the chandelier, it is quite reliable when fastening with dowels and nails into plastic sleeves.
• The cross mounting plate works similarly to the straight mounting plate, but has more attachment points. It is used for chandeliers-plafonds adjacent to the ceiling.
• The I-beam mounting platform is designed for mounting heavy chandeliers at several points.

All these mounting methods do not allow you to pull the chandelier close to the ceiling in low rooms. Mounting strips are curved to allow wires to exit. Further in this article, the refinement of the mounting plate will be described, which allows you to press the chandelier close to the ceiling.

Installation of regular fixtures of chandeliers is simple: self-tapping screws in clips-sleeves. The diameter of the self-tapping screws can be determined by the mounting holes in the mounting plate; self-tapping screw length - 40-60 mm. For low ceilings, it is preferable to use ceiling chandeliers, without a rod.

Much more attention should be paid to safety when installing chandeliers: when working on a hill, even a slight electric shock is fraught with a fall and serious injury. Various non-standard situations related to the suspension and installation of chandeliers will also be considered: a suspended ceiling with a chandelier, how to hang a chandelier on drywall.

Phase indicator and wire phasing

First of all, you need to check the phasing of the wires for the chandelier. The neutral wire (neutral) is common, and the phase wires are connected to the lamp sections through the switch.

Phase / zero wiring is determined by a special device - a phase indicator. It can be purchased at any electrical supply store. The indicator is inexpensive. Phase indicators come with a neon light bulb and a quenching resistor and electronic ones.

The indicator looks like a screwdriver. When using it, the device is lightly clamped between the index and middle fingers of the right hand in the place intended for this; it is either highlighted in color, or has a notch and is separated from the sting by a safety cuff. TOUCH INDICATOR STING DURING OPERATION DANGER TO LIFE!

When checking the phasing, the thumb touches a special metal terminal on the end of the device handle, or a button in the electronic indicator, and the indicator sting touches the wire under test. If it is phase, the lamp flashes or the corresponding symbol appears on the display. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD THE WIRE WITH THE OTHER HAND, EVEN FOR THE INSULATION! The indicator works ONLY ONE - RIGHT - HAND!

Before checking, turn out/turn off BOTH plugs. Then the ends of the wires for the chandelier sticking out of the ceiling are exposed, the ends are spread apart, the plugs are turned on, and the switch is turned on. A stool is placed on a rubber mat, and from it, with the right hand, a phase wire or two phase wires are found with an indicator if the chandelier switch is double. Then the switch is turned off without touching the plugs, and the phasing is checked again. Now the indicator should not glow when you touch any of the wires.

If the phase remains somewhere, the switch must be switched to a phase break, and the neutral wire, if the switch is unipolar, should be switched directly. This work is simple, and picking the wall is not required. But, if you are not an electrician, then you need to invite a specialist for it. No jokes with electricity are in vain.

Search wiring

Before drilling holes for fasteners in the ceiling, you need to determine where the wiring lies so that you do not interrupt it when drilling. For reliability, the search for wiring must be done under load, i.e. under current. Give the load on the wiring as follows:

• Turn off the plugs and the chandelier switch.
• The wires sticking out of the ceiling are temporarily increased to the floor; joints are insulated with electrical tape.
• Instead of chandelier sections, cartridges for incandescent lamps are also temporarily connected.
• Light bulbs are screwed into the cartridges by at least 60 watts, and better - by 100-150 watts.
• Plugs and switch included; you can start looking for wiring.

The search for wiring is best done with an electronic indicator; neon indicator works only in direct contact with live parts. There are special devices - wiring finders, but they are more expensive, and the accuracy is no more than two thicknesses of plaster. If the wiring is also hidden in strobes, then the error will be about 5 cm, which is not enough. The indicator at any depth of occurrence gives an accuracy of 1-2 cm.

The indicator is led by placing a finger on the button along the ceiling perpendicular to the intended direction of wiring. When the phase icon appears on the display, make a mark with a pencil and drive on. When the icon disappears, a second mark is made.

Then the same place is passed in the opposite direction; there will be two pairs of marks. In the middle between the internal and lies the wiring. Then they shift by 15-20 cm along the wiring and the search is repeated until the end of the working area.

Mounting the chandelier on regular fixtures

Mounting a chandelier on standard fixtures comes down to wiring power wires for sections of light bulbs. When checking the phasing of the wiring, the neutral wire must be immediately noted somehow, at least by bending it close to the ceiling with the indicator sting. Then the plugs are turned out / turned off and the wires are brought into the chandelier.

In modern electrical appliances, the neutral wire is always yellow with a longitudinal green stripe, and all wires are pre-wired into the connector - the terminal block. The neutral wire of the wiring is connected first: insert it into the neutral terminal and tighten the screw. Then the phase wires are connected. They push the cap to the place - the work is over.

And if the wiring in the room is of two wires? Or grandfather's chandelier, or antique, and you can't see where the phase is, and where is zero?

In the first case, a small piece of the same wire section is added to the phase wire (PLUGS - OFF!) (see Fig.) And both sections of the bulbs are switched on for one phase. The whole chandelier will be turned on with one switch.

chandelier

If the wires in the chandelier are not marked, and there is no terminal block, then the chandelier needs to be ringed. This is done by a regular tester. RINGING THE CHANDELIER WITH A CONTROL LIGHT FROM THE 220 V NETWORK IS DANGEROUS TO LIFE!

For continuity, we screw the SAME into all the cartridges of the chandelier, i.e. one power and brand, incandescent lamps; better low-power, 15-25 watts. Housekeeper light bulbs are no good, dialing them will not work.

The scheme of the chandelier is given in the figure. From it, a person familiar with electrical engineering or at least who has not forgotten Ohm's school law can see that if the resistance of one light bulb is R, then there will be R between zero and FI; between zero and FII - 0.5R, and between phases - 1.5R. To ring three wires in pairs, six measurements are needed.

"Special" chandeliers

Recently, chandeliers have appeared on sale, equipped with a remote control for adjusting the light, a fan, an air ionizer or even an air conditioner (more precisely, its evaporative unit). When buying such products, the following rules must be observed:

• See how it connects right now. If, in addition to the usual terminal block for household wiring, some strange ends stick out there, ask for instructions and read it.
• If it is not clear from the instructions how to hang such a chandelier yourself, ask if its installation is included in the price of the product, and what are the seller's guarantees.
• Suddenly, the outlet works on the principle of “sold and forgot”, it is better to look for the same thing elsewhere.

Chandeliers with additional functions - products are quite specific; there are few firms or craftsmen involved in their installation, and “special” chandeliers are not cheap.

emergency situations

And how to properly hang a chandelier on the ceiling if there is no regular fixture, or it cannot be used? To do this, you will have to stock up on a tool for working on concrete, stone, wood, drywall, and work.

Low ceiling

The standard version is a chandelier-plafond and fastening with a cross bar. But what if the room is low, but you still don’t want to install a ceiling? In this case, you can gain 10-15 cm by hanging a chandelier with a rod on the ceiling without a hook.

To do this, the standard mounting plate is straightened, cut so that it is hidden under the cap, and new holes are drilled in it for self-tapping screws. Next, the chandelier needs to be slightly modified:

• Lights and, if possible, all fragile details are removed from the chandelier. It is better, if the design allows, to remove the rod immediately.
• The wires of the chandelier are removed from the terminal block.
• In the rod, immediately behind the thread, drill in a row along the rod, three holes 4-5 mm. You just need to make sure that they are all under the cap.
• Three pieces of fishing line are passed into the holes of the removed rod. Their ends are attached to the ends of the wires of the chandelier and tightly wrapped with narrow tape.
• The rod is put in place, gently sliding over the wires and pulling up the pieces of fishing line until the ends of the wires come out of the holes. If one is caught, it is corrected with a wire hook or tweezers.
• If the rod is non-removable, then pieces of fishing line are inserted into the holes one by one, starting from the bottom, and the wires are also brought out into them.
• The wires are reintroduced into the terminal block.

The purpose of this refinement is to bring the wires to the side so that they are not pressed against the ceiling and transferred by the edge of the rod. Attention: if the rod is fixed or curly, the cap must remain on it. Otherwise, he will not get dressed later because of the wires sticking out to the side.

Next, a mounting plate is installed on the rod between two regular nuts, and the chandelier is attached to the ceiling with screws. Most likely, nuts will not be needed: in most chandeliers, the bar is attached to the rod by flaring.

Connect wires. It may turn out that the terminal block now does not fit in the cap - it's okay, it is completely removed, and the wires are connected by soldering; joints are insulated with electrical tape. It is not recommended to connect the wires with a twist: there will be problems with a flashing chandelier later.

Now we mount the chandelier to the ceiling with self-tapping screws. We do not tightly wrap the screws into the sleeves, otherwise the chandelier will become oblique.

Option for weak but dense ceilings: laminate, MDF, plywood. Instead of a mounting plate, we make a circle with a diameter of 5 mm less than the inner diameter of the cap. In the center - a hole for the rod; in a circle - 4-6 holes for self-tapping screws. You will also need to make a hole for the wires.

If you need a hook

Fixing a chandelier to a concrete ceiling on a plank or I-beam does not raise any questions. And if the chandelier you like is hooked, but it is not at home? A little work - and a very reliable hook you can put yourself:

• If a hook-screw is used, then in the ceiling we drill a hole with a diameter of 10 mm more than the diameter of the screw, and a depth along the length of the thread + 10 mm.
• Lubricate the thread of the hook with a thin layer of consistent (thick) lubricant.
• We tightly wind two copper wires with a diameter of 0.8 - 1.2 mm onto the screw thread. At the beginning and at the end of the thread, we leave a mustache of 10 mm and spread them 90 degrees. When viewed from the end of the screw, the mustache should diverge in four directions perpendicularly.
• We spray the hole inside with a spray bottle, or stick a richly moistened cloth into it with a stick, hold for 1-2 minutes and take it out.
• We prepare 50-100 g of alabaster or gypsum mortar; this is convenient to do with a disposable plastic cup. When mixed with water, the solution heats up. Mix until creamy consistency.
• Using a stick (not a spatula), as quickly as possible (alabaster and gypsum harden quickly), we fill the solution into the hole until it is filled.
• Just as quickly, into the still liquid solution, we push the hook with the wire wound around the thread; the whiskers of the wire will be bent.
• We remove the squeezed out solution and wait for it to solidify in the hole. The solution should not only solidify, but also cool to room temperature. This takes at least 2 hours, but it is better to wait a day. Now the chandelier can be hung.

If a hook with a support platform for fastening with self-tapping screws, we make nests for them in the same way, but we take a thinner wire - 0.4-0.6 mm. And you will have to knead a separate portion of the solution for each nest - it hardens very quickly to a mushy state.

Such nests serve for centuries without shrinking like plastic. When wrapping / turning the hook 2-3 times, the socket does not loosen. If necessary, it is easily cleared of filling with a narrow chisel and redone. When repairing a gypsum-alabaster nest, you can plaster it, and then dig a hole in the plaster for a hook.

Chandelier in the stretch ceiling

Installing a chandelier on a stretch ceiling is the most difficult case. First of all: a chandelier with incandescent lamps and a stretch ceiling are incompatible. Even from a three-arm chandelier with 40 W lamps, spots will appear on the ceiling in a month, and within 3 months it will begin to creep. Economy light bulbs in chandeliers recessed into the ceiling quickly burn out due to poor heat transfer; The only option here is LED bulbs.

Then, installing a chandelier in an existing stretch ceiling is impossible: it will have to be removed and a new one installed. Trying to cut holes in an already stretched ceiling is useless - the film or fabric will immediately spread.

And finally, before calling the ceiling masters, you need to prepare a fixture for the chandelier. The regular fixture of the chandelier is not designed for installation in stretch ceilings, therefore, if the chandelier is hung on a hook, it must be installed in the ceiling in advance.

To mount on planks or I-beams on the base ceiling, you need to attach a pillow made of waterproof BS or MDF plywood, at least 16 mm thick, on the brackets, as shown in the figure. A wooden or ordinary plywood pillow in the inter-ceiling space will soon dry out, and this will end in an accident.

According to the installed pillow, the ceiling mounts will take measurements and make holes in the panel, framed by grommets. Through them, the chandelier will be attached to the pillow with long fasteners, with a gap for the “play” of the ceiling. Wide holes are additionally reinforced with "spider" supports, but this is a subject for a separate discussion.

If it is supposed to drown the chandelier in a stretch ceiling, then it should hang in place during the measurement. But still, a chandelier in a stretch ceiling is not the best option in terms of costs. Only due to the uneven distribution of the load due to the presence of holes, such a ceiling is more likely to sag and lose its appearance than a solid one.

Chandelier on plasterboard ceiling

Attaching a chandelier to a plasterboard ceiling is also not easy, but still easier than in a room with a stretch ceiling. There are three possible cases here:

• The chandelier weighs up to 3 kg and is mounted on a hook. In this case, you need a special butterfly hook. It consists of a specially designed plastic clip and a screw hook. A hole is drilled in the drywall under the butterfly clip, the hook is screwed into the clip one or two turns. Then the clip is inserted all the way into the hole and the hook is turned to failure. The inside of the butterfly unfolds into petals, which fix the hook.
• Chandelier - up to 7 kg in weight. In this case, only fastening on slats (console) is permissible. A butterfly dowel is used for each attachment point; simply a mole. By design, it is similar to the cage of a butterfly hook, and when a self-tapping screw is screwed into it, it opens in the same way to the sides inside the interceiling space.
• Heavy chandelier. To hang it on a hook, you will need one collet pin with a diameter of at least 12 mm; for mounting on a bar - at least two 8-10 mm each. To install a collet stud in the base ceiling, holes are drilled through drywall along the diameter of the stud sleeve and a depth in its length. The stud is screwed a little into the sleeve, inserted into the base ceiling through the hole in the drywall until it stops, and again the stud is screwed all the way. The collet diverges and wedged in the base ceiling, and a threaded end remains on the outside, onto which you can screw a hook with a threaded socket, or several ends - you can put a pillow on them under the chandelier bracket.

Note: hanging a chandelier on a hook through drywall is unreliable - the collet is held in the ceiling by friction. Therefore, for suspension to a plasterboard ceiling, it is better to choose chandeliers with a cantilever mount.

How to shoot chandeliers

And how to remove the chandelier from the ceiling, if necessary? All described methods of fastening allow dismantling in the reverse order of installation.

In the first place, again, safety precautions: turn off the switch, turn off or unscrew the plugs. Then we remove all fragile parts from the chandelier: crystal pendants, etc. Next, we turn off the wires, isolate their bare ends, and only after that we proceed to disassemble the mount.

With a stretch stretch or plasterboard ceiling, we remove only the chandelier itself. We do not touch pillows, butterflies, collets and other auxiliary parts. This is especially true of collets and butterflies: these are disposable parts, they are not designed for re-assembly.