Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 1/22/2010

Question
Hi Bruce
We are thinking of changing an old chandelier in DR with a new pendant. but our contractor says the old chandelier was not according to the weight limit so you have to change something(we don know what he is talking about) before installing new one which will cost us $150. The new chandelier is way too light in weight than the earlier. Do we have to spend that much? is there anything else we can do about it?

Answer
Hi Veena, most ceiling fixtures are hung from electrical boxes that are attached to ceiling joists, trusses or rafters or to blocking that is attached to same.  Is it possible that the existing box is not properly attached this way?  Another problem may be the type of electrical box that the existing fixture hangs from. The new fixture may require a different size box to be hung properly.  It seems to me that if it is only a weight issue and the new chandelier is lighter than the old one and the old one wasn't falling down from improper backing then the new one should be able to hang from the old electrical box.  Most ceiling fixtures require a round or clipped corner 4" box 1 1/2" deep or deeper.  Standard type fixtures come with their own mounting plate that attaches to screws in the electrical box. Without seeing what the contractor is talking about I can't think of anything else to add to this but please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com