Chandelier Chain and Cord

9 years ago

I live in a house that was built a year ago, and I just replaced the chandelier in our dining area. My question is about weaving the cord from the fixture through the hanging chain. When the electrician put in the original chandelier, he put the cord through about every sixth link. We have another pendant in the foyer and he did the same thing. I used to think you were supposed to skip every other link, but I remember reading one time that some ordinances are very specific about how to do this. Or does it matter? Because I can't find any specific information--the instructions with my new fixture just said "alternating links." I'm also wondering what looks best. Thanks

Comments (4)

randy427
9 years ago
I've never seen it spelled out and usually do it about each 4 or 5 inches. If the cord is about the same color as the chain, it's probably only seen when cleaning or changing bulbs.
JM$.02W
btharmy
9 years ago
It doesn't matter.
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joefixit2
9 years ago
skipping more links usually makes it look straighter.
opaone
last year
last modified: last year
We just encountered this with some done incorrectly so did a bunch of research.

With most chains the correct method is for the cord to go through every other link. This results in a fairly straight cord that also most closely matches the links so that it diappears.

It is also possible to use two separate wires (+ ground) and then each goes through every other link but opposite link sets (so the two wires are off by one link). Some electrical inspectors are OK with this, some not. This is somewhat common in higher end homes.