Changing Light Fixture
How difficult/dangerous is it change a ceiling lighting fixture? I don’t have much experience and hence have no idea if I’m particularly handy, but I can follow a set of directions pretty well. Is this just a simple change or a more dangerous, electrical project that I should hire someone to do? FWIW, we’re going…
How difficult/dangerous is it change a ceiling lighting fixture? I don’t have much experience and hence have no idea if I’m particularly handy, but I can follow a set of directions pretty well. Is this just a simple change or a more dangerous, electrical project that I should hire someone to do? FWIW, we’re going from a dome fixture to a hanging, chandelier-esque piece.
if wiring is up to date it is easy. if wiring is old you can make boo-boo. if wiring is not in electric box you can set house on fire.
here is how pros do it: http://www.flixxy.com/helicopter-cable-inspector.htm
IMO this is one of the easiest DIY projects–just shut off the circuit breaker to the light; don’t rely on the wall switch.
what brucef said, the problem is not the wiring, it is that you are hanging something much heavier than exists now.
If you don’t have experience with electrical projects, hire someone. Start figuring out whether or not you’re handy with projects less likely to be dangerous.
Your question has two answers.
There is no simple follow the rules method. Each situation is different, and an electrician’s or handyman’s success hinges on (his) willingness to adapt.
There is the safe, secure replacement of wiring, shut breaker, re-attach with wire nuts etc.
More importantly, the strong mounting of the fixture, physically, is more challenging. The existing fixture could be hanging by a thread, or it could be firmly mounted. Determing that, and remedying defects, is more carpentry than electrical.
This is complicated by the need to possibly fasten securely to joists or other supports (even old gas lines), through a small hole in a finish surface.
So the answer is, take a look. Remove the existing fixture and try to determine if it is a piece of cake or a disaster.