How to install a pendant light fitting
A simple guide to installing your new pendant light
You've found the perfect pendant light fitting to give your space a quick modern makeover - then you go to fit it and realise you're stumped. Sound familiar? Adding a new pendant light fitting shouldn't be a time consuming task. That's why we've developed this quick and easy guide to help you install your new pendant with ease.
Before you begin... safety first
Before starting any electrical work, remember to switch off the mains power at the consumer unit. We recommend purchasing a voltage tester, as they confirm whether circuits are dead and safe to work on. Check all finished work with a voltage tester before using.
For your safety, these products must be installed in accordance with local Building Regulations. If in any doubt, or where required by the law, hire a professional. Further information is available online or from your local authority. Never take risks with electrical safety. Before you start any type of electrical work, follow these safety precautions:
- Switch off the main power at the consumer unit / fuse box. Isolate the circuit you plan to work on by removing the circuit fuse. Put this in your pocket to avoid losing it.
- Or switch off the breaker and lock it if you can - put a note on the unit to advise you're working on the circuit.
- Check the circuit is dead with a socket tester or voltage tester / meter for lighting circuits.
- Pendants can only support a very lightweight bulb and shade – fittings over 2 kg must be chain supported.
- Fittings with metal parts must be earthed with a three-core flex unless labelled as double insulated.
What you'll need
Let's get started
The pendant lighting fitting includes two alternative methods for attachment to the ceiling. First we'll start with the ceiling bracket attachment.
How to attach using a ceiling bracket
1. Mark the bracket in place 1.5 to two centimetres from the existing electrical hole and mount to hold positions through the fixing holes.
2. Drill into the marked positions and insert the wall plugs included with your light kit.
3. Tap the wall plugs flush with a hammer.
4. Refer to the instruction manual to check if the wall plugs are adapted to your ceiling material, then screw the bracket to the ceiling.
5. Depending on your ceiling height, adjust the pendant cable to the desired length and lock it in place using the cord anchorage.
6. Connect the supply cable to the terminal block inside the light fitting, using the correct colour coding and the sleeve provided.
7. Attach the light fitting using the two retaining screws.
8. Secure the cable locking screw into the hole below the cable exit point.
How to attach using the hook only method
1. Start by marking and drilling a hole in your chosen location.
2. Insert one of the wall plugs included in your light kit and tap flush with a hammer.
3. Refer to the instruction manual to check if the wall plugs are adapted to your ceiling material, then insert the hook by twisting in an anticlockwise motion.
4. Depending on your ceiling height, adjust the pendant cable to the desired length and secure in place using the cable anchorage.
5. Connect the supply cable to the terminal block inside the light fitting using the correct colour coding and the sleeve provided. Now you can hook the spare hole of the pendant anchorage onto the hook.
6. Slide the light fitting up to the ceiling and lock in place using the cable locking screw located on the cable exit point.
7. Add your lightshade and fit a suitable light bulb. Now you can safely turn the electricity supply back on.