Electrical Problemo
Recently, we attempted to install two antique chandeliers in our brownstone. Both were bought at auction (at different times from different sellers), and while the fixtures themselves are old, the wiring in both cases is contemporary. In the case of Chandelier #1, we had “pre-tested†its electrical worthiness by wiring it to a lamp cord…
Recently, we attempted to install two antique chandeliers in our brownstone. Both were bought at auction (at different times from different sellers), and while the fixtures themselves are old, the wiring in both cases is contemporary. In the case of Chandelier #1, we had “pre-tested†its electrical worthiness by wiring it to a lamp cord that could be plugged directly into an outlet. We tested each light socket in turn, and all worked beautifully. However, when we attached Chandelier #1 to the existing ceiling wiring in our hallway and flipped on the juice, a giant puff of evil-smelling black smoke, accompanied by a “pop,†emanated from the middle of the fixture (but NOT from where it was wired to the ceiling). The ceiling wiring was ok, and in fact, we re-installed the piece of junk that was there before and have had no problem. With Chandelier #2, same thing. However, we only got as far as the “pre-test†with the same result: smoke and a “pop†emanating from the fixture itelf, but no damage to the outlet or wiring therein. So, Brownstoners: should I be calling the Lamp Doctor or a Master Electrician? BTW, in the past, we’ve installed a number of Home Depot-issue beauties without any trouble. Thank you.
Be very careful with the art nouveau chandelier. Many American fixtures are made of stock parts, screwed together, but European fixtures are often not and AFAIK much art nouveau stuff is European. Still, it’s worth a try as long as you don’t force anything.
Bob, OP here. Thanks for the tip. I didn’t know these things could be screwed apart so easily. The chandelier I’m concerned about, #2, is an art noveau period ormolu fixture of unknown provenance. It’s a big honking thing (about 36 l x 24 w), but I’ll give it a shot before I have it done professionally.
If the fixtures are American, the various parts should unscrew easily; antique European (especially French) fixtures can be more complicated. The only light fixture we have that I didn’t dare rewire myself is an early ’20s French art deco one where the art glass shades were firmly held in place by rusted bayonet-mount candelabra sockets.
OP here. Thank you folks for your replies. Guest at 5.15, yes, the circuit did trip when we flipped the switch.
I’m going to follow Bob’s advice and try first to rewire Chandelier #1 myself; #2 however, may have to be taken apart for rewiring and I don’t feel so confident doing that…I may send that one to the Lamp Doctor. I’ll test again before we reinstall. Thx all.
I’m with Bob, the problem follows the lamp, not the power source. Have the lamp rewired.
BTW I think your pre-testing the fixtures was a very good idea which you might want to repeat after re-wiring the fixtures, especially if you do a DIY job.
Since you re-installed your old fixture successfully your ceiling electric box seems to be OK. Both of your “new” old fixtures are wired incorrectly and seem to be shorting out. Perhaps whoever wired them left on old defective lamp sockets? Fixture # 1 might have an intermittent short since it passed your “pre-test”. Nevertheless both fixtures need to be re-wired. This is not rocket science and I, for one, would do it myself, but, if you don’t feel confident or lack my extensive training [7th grade Electric Shop 50 years ago] you might want to take them to a place like Lamp Doctor on C. I. Avenue. IMO a licensed electrician would be overkill.
If it’s in the fixture, the wiring has got to be incorrect. Either in the fixture or in the way you connect it the ceiling wires.
Did the circuit trip when you flipped the switch?
I suggest you call a licensed electrician.
It might have something to do with the way your place is wired.