How to Install a Pendant Light

Updated: Apr. 11, 2022

A simple project that will add another layer of light to your room.

Next Project
Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$51–100

Introduction

Hanging a pendant light is a great way to bring light closer to you. Whether you're filling an entire room with light or just a small space, a pendant light is the perfect choice to add style and functionality.

Tools Required

  • Wire stripper/cutter
  • screwdriver
  • Measuring tape

Materials Required

  • wire nuts
  • pendant light

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Disconnect the power to the room

Step 2

Attach cross bar to the junction box

  • The cross bar connects the bezel to the electrical box and provides the strength needed to support the light fixture.
  • Attach the cross bar to the junction box with the supplied 8-32 thread screws.

installing a pendant light step 1Family Handyman

Step 3

Feed the electrical wire through the pendant rod

  • Determine the length of rod for your pendant light.
  • Feed the electrical wire through the center of the pendant rod and cut to length.

step two of installing a pendant lightFamily Handyman

Step 4

Attach the pendant rod to the ceiling cap

  • This light uses a chain link to connect the pendant rod to the ceiling cap.
  • Feed the wires through the cap and loop the chain link through the eyelets.
    • Note: Some pendant lights use a threaded connector. Either way, the process is the same.

Attaching the pendant rod to the ceiling capFamily Handyman

Step 5

Connect the electrical wire to the light

  • Loop the ground wire (bare copper) around the green nut and attach that first.
  • Using wire nuts, connect the wire leads to the power leads.

Connect the electrical wire to the lightFamily Handyman

Step 6

Check for functionality

  • Screw in a light bulb of your choice.
  • Flip the breaker and turn on the light.

Things you’ll need

pendant light hanging materialsFamily Handyman