How To Safely Rewire a Light Fixture

What is the right way to rewire a light fixture? Here are some Helpful Tips for Rewiring a Light Fixture.

Rewiring Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: What is the right way to rewire a light fixture?

We have a chandelier ceiling fixture that we are trying to rewire as a swag light. When we first wired it the connection wasn’t going to the light bulbs, then it blew the fuse and we rewired it and then it was smoking. Can you please advise us what to do about our light fixture problem?
Thanks

This electrical repair question came from: christen, a Tenant from Miami, Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Christen.
Christen – Holy Smokes! You really need to be careful when rewiring a light fixture.

How to Rewire a Light Fixture

Application: Wiring a Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the light fixture(s).
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Tips for Rewiring a Light Fixture

Use the correct gauge wire that is UL Approved Lamp Cord.
Make sure the polarity of the wire is correct, smooth side is hot, line side is neutral.
Wiring that is being installed through metal parts can get damaged due to small space, sharp areas and the soft wire insulation.
Install a ground wire and bond it to the metal assembly areas.
If in doubt take it to a light fixture shop or have an electrician rewire it for you.

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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

One Response to “How To Safely Rewire a Light Fixture”

Linda says:

February 11, 2011 at 6:23 pm

The pendant lamp I am hanging swag style in my kitchen over the table came with a grounding wire…but there is no place to ground it to. It is suppose to go into a junction box in ceiling but I do not have that so have spliced the wires together using a kit from Home Depot. I have the kit wire plugged into an electrical outlet in the wall by the floor. So what am I suppose to attach that ground wire to? it is just loose right now and making me very nervous.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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