Ben Carter
Replacing a chandelier's candle covers is an easy and cost-effective way to give your light fixture an entirely new look. Before attempting to replace a candle cover, it is important to disconnect the chandelier from any power source to avoid electrical shock. The next step is to measure the diameter and length of the candle cover to ensure you purchase the correct size. Candle covers are available in a variety of materials, including wax, glass, cardboard, and plastic, and come in different heights, with some vendors offering custom lengths. Once you have purchased the correct size and style of candle cover, you can remove the old covers by unscrewing the lightbulbs and gently pushing the covers off the light fixture. Finally, slide the new candle covers into place, screw in the lightbulbs, and enjoy your refreshed chandelier!
How to Replace Chandelier Candle Covers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Disconnect the chandelier from any source of electricity before removing the cover or insulator. Turning the light off is not sufficient protection from electrical shock. |
| Insulation | Always include a U.L. listed cardboard insulator to cover the socket terminals. |
| Measurement | Measure the correct diameter and length of the candle cover. Measure the outside diameter of the lamp socket with the insulator attached. |
| Sizing | Lamp sockets are usually "Edison" (standard) or "candelabra" size. Less common sizes include "intermediate". |
| Height | Candle covers are typically manufactured in height increments of 2". Trim the base of a cover to create the appropriate height if necessary. |
| Wattage | Many materials have a wattage limit. |
| Materials | Candle covers are typically made of wax, glass, cardboard, or plastic. |
| Appearance | Candle covers can be painted to update their appearance. |
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What You'll Learn
Measure the old candle covers before buying new ones
When replacing your chandelier's candle covers, it is important to measure the old ones before buying new replacements. This is because candle covers come in a variety of sizes and lengths, and chandelier manufacturers use many different sizes with no standard dimensions.
Firstly, disconnect the chandelier from any source of electricity to avoid electrical shock. Then, carefully measure the diameter of the candle cover, including the U.L. listed cardboard insulator that covers the socket terminals. The most common diameters are the European Base, almost 1" for E14 220 sockets, and the Edison (standard) size, with an inside diameter of 1 1/4” to possibly 1 3/16”. If the outside diameter of the socket is in the range of 3/4", you will likely need a "candelabra"-sized candle cover.
Next, measure the height of the candle cover you require. Candle covers are often manufactured in height increments of 2”, so if your required height is 5 1/2”, you can carefully trim the base of a 6” cover.
Finally, consider the material of the candle cover. Some plastic is heavy-walled and opaque, while some is not, so ensure you purchase quality plastic. Polymers are used to create covers that look like wax drip candles, and there are also wax covers, although these may melt if the recommended wattage maximums are not followed. Cardboard covers are also available, resembling older styles, and some modern fixtures have metal covers, although these do not usually need to be replaced.
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Disconnect the chandelier from the electricity source
Disconnecting your chandelier from its electricity source is a crucial step before replacing the candle covers. This step is essential for your safety, as simply turning off the chandelier will not protect you from electrical shock. Here are the detailed steps to ensure a safe disconnection:
Locate the Power Source
Before you begin, identify the power source of your chandelier. It could be connected to a power outlet or directly wired into your home's electrical system. If it's plugged into an outlet, proceed to the next step. If it's hardwired, you may need to turn off the circuit breaker that controls the chandelier's power supply.
Unplug the Chandelier
If your chandelier is plugged into an outlet, start by unplugging it. Ensure that you hold the plug when unplugging, not the cord, to avoid any damage to the wiring. Once unplugged, give a gentle tug on the plug to ensure it is fully disconnected.
Consult a Professional
If you are unsure about how to safely disconnect your chandelier from its electrical source, it is always best to consult a licensed electrician or your local power company. They can guide you through the process and ensure that you follow the necessary safety precautions.
Inform Others
Before proceeding with any work on the chandelier, inform others in your household that you will be working on the light fixture. This will prevent anyone from accidentally turning on the power while you are working, which could pose a safety risk.
Test for Power Disconnection
After disconnecting the power source, use a voltage tester to verify that the power is indeed off. This simple test will ensure that you are safe to proceed with replacing the candle covers without any risk of electrical shock.
Safety is paramount when working with electrical fixtures, so always exercise caution and follow these steps diligently when disconnecting your chandelier from its electricity source.
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Install the cardboard insulator
Before installing a new cardboard insulator for your chandelier candle cover, it is important to disconnect the chandelier from any power source to avoid the risk of electrical shock. If you are unsure about how to do this safely, it is recommended that you consult a licensed electrician or your local power company for guidance.
To install the cardboard insulator, start by placing the insulator over the socket terminals. The insulator serves as a protective barrier between the socket and the candle cover, preventing electrical hazards and potential discolouration or deterioration of the cover from heat. Ensure that the insulator rises about 1/8" inch above the candle cover. This will help prevent the edges of the cover from burning due to the heat of the lightbulb.
When selecting a replacement insulator, it is important to consider the size of your lamp socket. Most lamp sockets are either Edison (standard) size or candelabra size, but there are also uncommon sizes like "intermediate" for which finding replacement insulators may be challenging. Measure the outside diameter of the lamp socket with the insulator attached to determine the correct candle cover size.
If you are ordering a new insulator, pay attention to the height increments in which they are manufactured, typically in 2" increments. If you require a specific height, such as 5 1/2", you may need to carefully trim the base of a 6" insulator to achieve the desired height.
By following these steps and selecting the appropriate insulator size, you can effectively install a cardboard insulator for your chandelier candle cover, ensuring safety and maintaining the aesthetic of your lighting fixture.
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Choose the material for the new covers
When choosing the material for your new chandelier candle covers, it's important to consider both the aesthetic and functional aspects. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material Options:
The most popular choices for candle cover materials include dripping wax, resin, plastic, glass, and metal. Each material offers a unique look and feel to your chandelier. Dripping wax, for example, creates a vintage or rustic appearance, but it can be challenging to clean and may melt under high-power bulbs. Resin, plastic, and glass can be moulded to resemble dripping wax while providing a more durable alternative. Metal candle covers, such as brass, offer a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Size and Fit:
Before selecting the material, ensure you have accurately measured the diameter and length of your candle covers. Most lamp sockets are either Edison (standard) size or candelabra size. However, there are uncommon sizes like "intermediate" for which candle covers may be harder to find. Choosing a material that can be easily trimmed or adjusted, like resin or plastic, can provide more flexibility in terms of size and fit.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance:
Consider the ease of cleaning and maintaining your chosen material. Some materials, like glass or metal, may be easier to wipe down and keep dust-free compared to more delicate options. If you opt for a dripping wax cover, be prepared for more involved cleaning methods and potential challenges if the wax softens or melts.
Heat Resistance:
The material you choose should be able to withstand the heat generated by your light bulbs. High-power bulbs can produce significant heat, so opting for materials like resin, plastic, or glass can be wiser choices than heat-sensitive materials like wax.
Design and Decor:
Finally, consider the overall design and decor of your space. Choose a material and colour that complement the style of your chandelier and the surrounding furnishings. Whether it's a sleek metal finish or a vintage-inspired dripping wax look, ensure your new candle covers enhance the aesthetic of your lighting fixture and the room it illuminates.
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Slip the new candle covers over the sockets
When replacing your chandelier candle covers, it is important to first determine the correct candle cover size for your lamp. Measure the correct diameter and length, remembering to first install the cardboard insulator and measure the outside diameter of the lamp socket with the insulator attached. Most lamp sockets are either an Edison (standard) size or a candelabra size, but there are also uncommon sizes such as "intermediate". Candle covers are typically manufactured in height increments of 2", but if you require a different height, you can carefully trim the base to the appropriate height.
Once you have the correct size, it's time to slip the new candle covers over the sockets. Ensure that your chandelier is unplugged and disconnected from any source of electricity to avoid electrical shock. Then, gently push the new candle cover over the socket, ensuring that it is securely in place.
If you are reusing old candle covers, be sure to clean them with soap and water and let them dry before slipping them back over the sockets. You can also paint the candle covers to give them a fresh new look. When painting, insert nails into cardboard and place one candle cover over each nail to prop it upright. Spray paint the covers with light coats, following the dry times on the spray paint can.
Finally, once your new candle covers are in place, screw in the lightbulbs to the sockets, and your chandelier is ready to be admired!
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Frequently asked questions
First, disconnect the chandelier from any source of electricity to avoid electrical shock. Next, measure the diameter and length of the candle cover to determine the correct size. You can then purchase a replacement cover in the correct size and slide it over the socket.
Candle covers are available in a variety of materials, including wax, glass, cardboard, and plastic.
Yes, you can paint your candle covers. First, remove the covers and clean them with soap and water. Then, insert nails into a piece of cardboard and place the covers over the nails to prop them upright. Spray paint the covers with light coats and allow them to dry before reattaching them to your chandelier.
Candle covers are prone to burnt edges and discolouration over time.
You can purchase replacement candle covers from lighting stores or online vendors. Some vendors may also offer to cut the covers to your desired length.
