How to Change Chandelier Light Bulbs in High Ceiling
How much do you love your tall ceilings, or are you one of those homeowners’ telling guests that their tall ceilings are perfect for chandeliers? Have you ever thought about changing a Chandelier Light bulb on a high ceiling? You definitely would have second thoughts about it.
A chandelier is
usually a focal point in a room, and it often becomes quite challenging to
change the light bulbs of such an intricate fixture. Changing a chandelier's
light bulb is not difficult, but it can be dangerous without taking proper
precautions. People suspend chandeliers by chains or cables, which makes it
necessary to use a ladder and possibly an extension ladder if the fixture is
high.
Step 1 - Prepare
Before you start
working on your chandelier, prepare for safety first. Be sure that there are no
decor items around you that have the potential to fall, especially if you are
standing on a ladder. You will also want another person nearby to assist you in
case something goes wrong.
Step 2 - Remove the Old Bulbs
Removing the old
bulbs is one of the most difficult tasks in the entire process. Since the
ceiling is high, you would need several pieces of equipment, expertise, and a
steady pair of legs while working on this task. Here are some of the tools you
would need to use.
Use a Step Ladder
If you want to
change Chandelier Lights but are unable to reach them, you must use a
step ladder. A step ladder is the safest way to reach heights up to 20 feet,
but they are unstable and have a short base. The higher you go, the more
unstable your ladder will be, making it harder to reach your goal.
The drawback is
that you might not be able to find one that reaches up to your Hanging light’s
base. You could use two ladders together, but it could pose problems,
especially when setting them up in your foyer or entryway.
Use
a Pair of Stepladders Instead
Using a step ladder
also means that someone is holding it in place while another person climbs up
and replaces the bulb. It means that both people need to be steady on their
feet and able-bodied enough to hold onto the ladder without help from others
standing by below them in case they fall off while climbing up or down.
With the help of Extension
Ladders
In the case of a
fairly high ceiling, you can change light bulbs by using a step ladder.
However, when working at 60 feet height or more, it's best to use an extension
ladder.
An extension ladder
has two parts: the base and the extension. The base has three legs that support
the weight of the user and the extension has a tube that extends from the base.
The extension helps you reach high places safely, but there is a drawback: You
need to lean it against a wall for support. This prevents you from reaching the
Chandelier Light, which you will often locate in the center of your
room.
To use an extension,
ladder safely:
1. Don't stand on top of an unstable ladder. In fact, plant it firmly on both feet when climbing up or down.
1. Make sure your ladder is straight before climbing up or down. The uneven ground makes ladders difficult to level up and increases your risk of falling off.
1.
Test each rung before stepping
onto it. Do not trust its solidity just because it looks sturdy; test each rung
by pressing down hard on them with both feet before putting all your weight on
them!
1.
Scissor Lifts for High
Ceilings
A scissor lift is a
mobile platform that can reach heights up to 50 feet. It works using an
electric or gas motor and can hold up to two people safely. Mobility is the
name of the game, and a scissor lift is extremely mobile. It moves up and down
with ease, so you do not have to climb up on a ladder every time you need to
change the bulb of your Hanging Light.
However, it can be
expensive to rent. Rental centers require a minimum of eight hours from a
single unit, making it expensive if unsure how long it will take to complete
the job.
Pole or Ladder Hooks
If you have high
ceilings, you can use a ladder hook or pole hook to get your light down far
enough so that you can easily reach inside it to change its bulbs. These can be
found in most hardware stores and are available in steel or aluminum material.
Ladder hooks are ideal for Hanging Lights from your ladder, while pole
hooks are designed specifically for tall ceilings and large fixtures like
chandeliers and pendants.
A ladder hook is
easy-to-install on the ceiling to help you change the fixtures of your Chandelier
Light. If you do not want to mount your ladder onto the wall, a ladder hook
is your perfect choice since it will make your ladder stable near the
chandelier directly on the ceiling.
A Bulb Grabber
If you do not want
to touch electrical wires and bulbs, a bulb grabber is a right tool. The bulb
grabber is a clamp-like device that will grab the base of your light bulbs and
hold them in place while you change them.
The typical bulb
grabber has long arms and two metal claws that extend from each end. You can
fit one claw over each end of the bulb and hold it firmly until the claws get
secured around the base of your light bulb.
Advantages
of a Bulb Grabber
A bulb grabber
has several advantages:
1) It helps you avoid touching exposed wires or bulbs during your
chandelier or Hanging
Light bulb-changing process. This tool is particularly beneficial if
there are high ceilings involved, as it will prevent you from standing on a
ladder or step stool for extended periods.
2) A bulb grabber eliminates the help of an extra person with your Chandelier
Light-changing process, which can be especially helpful when working alone
or if no one else is available to give you a hand.
3) A bulb grabber reduces the risk of toppling over
If you want to
change the chandelier light bulbs and not the electric wires and bulbs, the
bulb grabber is a good choice for you.
However, if you do
not know how to operate the bulb grabber properly, it can demolish the bulb
into the surface. So, you must be gentle and mindful of that.
Scaffolding or Platforms
If you are working on a high ceiling, it might be necessary to use scaffolding or platforms to keep the roof safe while you work. The most common types of scaffoldings are made from aluminum and come in various lengths depending on the size of your project. It is highly suitable for working on ceilings between 15 feet and 20 feet high, but it can also be used for smaller projects if needed.
Another common type
of scaffolding for ceiling work is made from steel and comes in different sizes
depending on how tall your project will be. This type of scaffolding goes
pretty well for projects that exceed 20 feet in height, but it can also be used
for smaller jobs if needed.
Hardware Tools
There are some
must-have hardware tools to change the bulb. You will need a ladder, a bulb,
and new glass to replace the old one. If you have an old one that is still in
good condition, you can use it again. You will also need a screwdriver and
pliers to tighten the screws on the fixture or chandelier. Some fixtures
require special tools such as a large wrench or socket wrench set.
Step 3 - Add New Bulbs
If you are
replacing all the bulbs in the Chandelier Light or Hanging Light,
this step will be easy because there is no other way to remove them from their
sockets but to pull them out! If you are only replacing some of them, however,
you can take note of which bulb goes where to replace it in their sockets later
on.
Conclusion:
When getting ready
to switch out Chandelier Light bulbs in high ceilings, you will want to
get a stool or ladder so you can comfortably reach where the bottom of your
chandelier locates. Once you position yourself, unscrew the old bulbs and clean
the insides of their sockets by running them through a piece of standard white
paper.
Next up, screw in
the new light bulbs, and turn on the power. If your light bulbs are no longer
lighting up after screwing them in, the most likely culprit is that you didn't
change their order accurately (such as putting a red string bulb with a red ceramic
base over a white string bulb with a clear top and purple frit base).
Do not get
intimidated by the thought of changing a Chandelier Light bulb that's
out of reach. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation
and tools, you can do it. And when it comes to chandelier light bulbs, making
this sort of change in the elements is easier than most people might think.
For more
information about Decorative Lighting,
please visit our website.
Comments
Post a Comment