Repairing a chandelier requires special care. Because chandeliers are heavy, it is a good idea to work with a helper when removing a chandelier. Support the fixture to prevent its weight from pulling against the wires.
Chandeliers have two fixture wires that are threaded through the support chain from the electrical box to the hollow base of the chandelier. The socket wires connect to the fixture wires in side this base.
Fixture wires are identified as hot and neutral. Look closely for a raised stripe on one of the wires. This is the neutral wire that is connected to the white circuit wire and white socket wire. The other, smooth, fixture wire is hot and is connected to the black wires.
If you have a new chandelier, it may have a grounding wire that runs through the support chain to the electrical box. If this wire is present, make sure it is connected to the grounding wires in the electrical box.
How to Repair a Chandelier
1. Label any lights that are not working, using masking tape. Turn off power to the fixture at the main service panel. Remove lightbulbs and all shades or globes.
2. Unscrew the retaining nut and lower the decorative coverplate away from the electrical box. Most chandeliers are supported by a threaded nipple attached to a mounting strap.
Mounting variation: Some chandeliers are supported only by the coverplate that is bolted to the electrical box mounting strap. These types do not have a threaded nipple.
3. Test for power by touching one probe of neon circuit tester to the green grounding screw and inserting other probe into each wire connector. Tester should not glow. If it does, there is still power entering box. Return to service panel, and turn off power to correct circuit.
4. Disconnect fixture wires by removing the wire connectors. Marked fixture wire is neutral, and is connected to white circuit wire. Unmarked fixture wire is hot, and is connected to black circuit wire. Unscrew threaded nipple, and carefully place chandelier on a flat surface.
5. Remove the cap from the bottom of the chandelier, exposing the wire connections inside the hollow base. Disconnect the black socket wires from the unmarked fixture wire, and disconnect the white socket wires from the marked fixture wire.
6. Test socket by attaching clip of continuity tester to black socket wire and touching probe to tab in socket. Repeat test with threaded portion of socket and white socket wire. Tester should glow for both tests. If not, the socket is faulty and must be replaced.
7. Remove a faulty socket by loosening any mounting screws or clips, and pulling the socket and socket wires out of the fixture arm. Purchase and install a new chandelier socket, threading the socket wires through the fixture arm .
8. Test each fixture wire by attaching clip of continuity tester to one end of wire and touching probe to other end. If tester does not glow, wire is faulty and must be replaced Install new wires, if needed, then reassemble and rehang the chandelier.
