
How to Install a Pendant Light in an Entryway
About This Project
This project involves installing a new pendant light fixture in an entryway. The process includes selecting a suitable fixture, preparing the electrical box, wiring the new light, and securing it in place. Safety precautions such as turning off power at the breaker are crucial throughout the installation.
Tools & Materials

Square D Homeline 125 Amp 20-Space 40-Circuit Indoor Main Lug plug-on neutral Electrical Panel with Cover, Ground Bar HOM2040L125PGC

FLUKE 1AC-A1-II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester 2432932

DEWALT Phillips Screwdriver Set (10-Piece) DWHT65201

CityPost 8 ft. Stair Cable Railing in White CP-8-W-S

White Pendant Light Kit with Partial Metal Rod 860750

Feit Electric 60-Watt Equivalent Round Dimmable Oversized Clear Glass E26 Medium Base LED Light Bulb, Soft White 2700K RNDCL927CAWFIL/HDRP

Square D Homeline 125 Amp 20-Space 40-Circuit Indoor Main Lug plug-on neutral Electrical Panel with Cover, Ground Bar HOM2040L125PGC
The Square D Homeline 125 Amp 20-Space 40-Circuit Indoor Convertible Main Lugs Load Center with cover for Plug-on Neutral breakers includes a ground bar and is UL listed for residential and commercial

FLUKE 1AC-A1-II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester 2432932
The portable 1 AC II non-contact voltage tester from Fluke are easy to use - just touch the tip to a terminal strip, outlet or supply cord. When the tip glows red and the unit beeps, you know there's voltage present. Electricians, maintenance, service, safety personnel and homeowners can quickly test for energized circuits in the workplace or at home and even detect miswires of an electrical outlet.

DEWALT Phillips Screwdriver Set (10-Piece) DWHT65201
The DEWALT 10 pieas. Screwdriver Set includes a variety of handle sizes and tip types to help you complete a number of fastening projects. The steel bars are chrome-plated for corrosion resistance, while

CityPost 8 ft. Stair Cable Railing in White CP-8-W-S
CityPost 36 in. tall cable railing kits can be ordered to fit your needs regardless of your project layout. All kits come with enough posts to install at a maximum center-to-center spacing of 6 ft. (example:

White Pendant Light Kit with Partial Metal Rod 860750
Home Depot's assortment of decorative pendant kits are specially designed with the DIY-er in mind. Decorative pendant shades are made with high quality metal in trend forward designs. This pendant light

Feit Electric 60-Watt Equivalent Round Dimmable Oversized Clear Glass E26 Medium Base LED Light Bulb, Soft White 2700K RNDCL927CAWFIL/HDRP
With Clear Globe LED Bulbs from Feit Electric, adding luxury style to your home is as simple as screwing in a lightbulb. The understated refinement of this sculptural glass sphere is sure to become a conversation piece. Its contoured geometric shape and delicate detailing deliver simple elegance to any room. Discreet white filament LED strips line the bottom edge to create an invisible bulb effect. Clean lines and soft light add a touch of sophistication to residential spaces, hotels, and luxury retail spaces. Its Soft White 2700K color temperature provides an inviting glow ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Create a premium look in your space while saving energy with LED technology. Each bulb emits 500 lumens using only 5.5W of electricity. No special fixture is needed for installation. This bulb fits into medium E26 household sockets. Hang it from pendant lights or screw it into wall sconces for a modern update to traditional fixtures. Pair them with Feit Electric woven fabric pendants 1009224307,1009224298 or 1009224310 to complete the look (sold separately). Integrated LEDs inside the bulb last up to 15,000 hours, for up to 13.7 years of gorgeous light.
Steps
Turn Off Power
5 minutesLocate your home's main electrical panel. Identify the breaker that controls the power to the entryway light fixture. Flip the breaker to the 'OFF' position. It is crucial to ensure the power is completely shut off before proceeding with any electrical work.
Watch: Turn Off PowerRemove Existing Fixture
15 minutesRemove any decorative globes or shades from the existing fixture. Unscrew the canopy from the ceiling electrical box. Support the fixture as you disconnect the wires. Typically, there will be a black (hot), white (neutral), and green or bare copper (ground) wire. Disconnect these wires by unscrewing wire nuts or releasing push-in connectors. Once wires are disconnected, carefully lower the old fixture and set it aside.
Watch: Remove the Old Light FixturePrepare New Fixture
20 minutesUnpack the new pendant light fixture and identify all its components. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Assemble the fixture as directed, which may include attaching the chain, cord, or downrod to the light body. If the fixture requires bulbs, install them now. Ensure any mounting bracket or crossbar provided with the new fixture is ready for installation.
Watch: Assemble Light FixtureInstall Mounting Bracket
10 minutesThe new pendant light will likely come with a mounting bracket or crossbar. Align this bracket with the screw holes on the existing electrical box. Use the screws provided with the fixture (or appropriate screws if the originals are not suitable) to firmly attach the bracket to the electrical box. Ensure the bracket is level and securely fastened, as it will support the weight of the fixture.
Watch: Install Mounting BracketWire the New Fixture
15 minutesRefer to the new fixture's instructions for specific wiring. Typically, you will connect the black wire from the fixture to the black (hot) wire from the ceiling box, the white wire from the fixture to the white (neutral) wire from the ceiling box, and the green or bare copper ground wire from the fixture to the ground wire in the ceiling box. Use wire nuts to secure all connections. Ensure the connections are tight and no bare wire is exposed.
Watch: Wire the New Fixture and Tidy UpMount the Fixture Canopy
10 minutesCarefully tuck the wired connections into the electrical box. Align the new pendant light's canopy with the mounting bracket. Secure the canopy to the bracket using the provided screws or decorative nuts. Ensure the canopy is flush against the ceiling and covers the electrical box completely. Adjust the pendant cord or chain to the desired hanging height.
Watch: Secure Canopy & Final MountingRestore Power and Test
5 minutesOnce the fixture is securely mounted, return to the electrical panel. Flip the breaker back to the 'ON' position. Go to the entryway and test the new pendant light by turning on the light switch. Ensure the light operates correctly and there are no flickering or unusual sounds.
Watch: Restore Power and Test the New Fixtures








