Do you want to keep high-hanging light fixtures in good working order, but find climbing up a ladder to clean daunting or calling a professional to change the bulbs expensive? Prevent accidents and make cleaning and bulb-changing more convenient by using a lift that raises and lowers chandeliers with the press of a button.
In this video, This Old House master electrician Scott Caron demonstrates how to install a light lift in a home with an 18-foot ceiling. You may be able to do this project yourself with helpers, but if you’re not fond of heights or doubt your skill level with electrical projects, it’s safer to hire a professional to tackle the job for you.
How Light Lifts Work
Electric light lifts consist of three parts: a motor, a winch system, and a steel cable. The motor is mounted in the attic or ceiling directly above the light fixture. When you activate the lift, the motor turns a gear system leading to the winch, which raises and lowers the light on the steel cable.
A key switch mounted upstairs controls the lift. “It only works with the key, so you lower it down, bring it back up, and you can take the key,” Caron says. “Even if the kids find the key, it’s really slow. I don’t think it’s going to offer very many hours of entertainment.”
We also recommend buying a light lift with a magnetic connection that breaks when the fixture is lowered. This cuts off the power supply and makes it safer to work with the fixture once it’s lowered down.
Buy the Right Light Lift
Not all light lifts are made equal. Take these considerations into account when you’re evaluating your options:
- Ceiling height and access: Light lifts work best in homes with high ceilings and attic space above the fixture location. The example project in the video has an easily accessible unfinished attic to work with. However, not every home has adequate space for the winch assembly.
- Codes: The installation should comply with the codes where you live to prevent penalties and issues. If you have a professional install the lift, they’ll know the codes that apply to your project and discuss any gray or rocky areas that might cause regulatory hiccups. Otherwise, do some research and verify the codes with your local building department before you start.
- Cost: Some light lifts are basic models, while others offer premium features. The initial investment in a premium product may be higher, but they can be higher quality and safer to use.
- Noise: Modern light lifts operate very quietly, partly thanks to their slow operating speed. However, some noise is inevitable. If it’s a concern for you, talk with your dealer about an option that’s as quiet as possible and hear a demonstration model work if you can.
- Weight capacity: The light lift you choose should support your fixture’s weight. The system in the video supports up to 200 pounds, but you should verify the capacity with your dealer before you reach for your wallet.
Preparing to Install a Light Lift
Before beginning the installation process, you’ll need to gather your materials and take a few safety precautions.
Tools and Materials Needed
Aside from the new light lift system, you’ll need these tools and materials:
- Drill/driver
- Jigsaw
- Key switch
- Low voltage wire
- New electrical box
- Screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Wire nuts
Safety Precautions
Safety should be your top priority when working with your home’s electrical system. Before you start, turn off the power at the circuit breaker, and confirm there’s no flow of electricity with a tester. Put on gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from potential hazards.
Light Lift Installation Process
A light lift gets installed with the fixture off. Many of the steps are easily done on safe ground, though it depends on how accessible your attic space is.
Removing the Existing Fixture
Once the power is off at the breaker, Caron starts by going up to the home’s unfinished attic and removing the existing light fixture, mindful of where the wiring connections are. He cuts into the floor to expose the electrical box, disconnects the wiring, ties a rope to the box, and slowly lowers the old fixture to the ground. A helper on ground level takes the fixture as it comes down and removes the rope.
Installing the Motorized Winch
Next, Caron mounts the winch in the attic space, with enough structural support to secure the assembly. He connects the constant power source to the motor wire, then splices the existing switch control wires to the wires that feed the fixture.
Check for loose connections during this step as they could cause a short or lift failure.
Setting Up the Electrical Connections
Once the winch is in place, Caron installs the new electrical box through the ceiling hole. He splices the low-voltage wires from the switch box downstairs to the matching wires on the winch. Then, he fishes the wire from the winch down to a new low-voltage ring near the fixture location and connects the ground wires to the winch.
Installing the Control Switch
Caron finishes installing the key switch by connecting the low-voltage wires and securing the cover plate. The switch goes in an accessible location, near the fixture, and out of reach of young children.
Mounting the Light Fixture
Caron installs the new light fixture from the ground. Once the key switch is ready, he turns the power back on to bring the winch down for the first time. Since the box he uses in the video has a magnetic switch, there’s no power flowing to the end of the lift from the moment it starts coming down.
While a helper keeps tension on the cable, Caron removes the temporary weight from the table, attaches the new fixture, and makes the new wiring connections.
Testing and Adjusting the Light Lift
To test the system, Caron raises the lift back up so the fixture makes a proper connection at the ceiling. Once it’s all the way to the top, he hears a clicking sound and the fixture comes on.
If necessary, adjust the lift’s upper and lower limits to be sure the fixture stops at the right place. Depending on the model, you may adjust these settings on the winch assembly itself or at the control switch. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Resources:
Scott installed the ALL200 residential light lift system, manufactured by Aladdin Light Lift, capable of lifting 200 pounds.
The homeowner selected the Orb Chandelier in Bronze, purchased from Ballard Designs.
