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Mini Pendant FAQ's
Where do I hang mini pendants?
Mini pendants are appropriate to light a variety of space and are most commonly used above surfaces such as kitchen counters and islands, entry way tables, dining room tables and bathroom counters.
What are my options for hanging pendants?
Mini pendants are typically hung directly from a fixture in the ceiling or on a track lighting system. Mini pendants can be hung as one light or a group of lights depending on the space. It is common to see a trio of mini pendants over a kitchen bar or island, for example. There are no major advantages to choosing one type of hanging, from a fixture or track light, over the other, it is best to make a decision off of circumstances. Track lighting requires only one fixture to hang a grouping of pendants and leaves option for duo rails allowing for spotlights and pendants, but on the other hand, hanging mini pendants directly from the ceiling may be a “cleaner” style without a track.
The key thing to remember when purchasing mini pendants for track lighting is that not all mini pendants fit onto every kind of track, so be sure to double check that the mini pendants you choose are compatible with the track you are looking at.
What voltage of mini pendant should I purchase?
Mini pendants are available in 120 and 12 volt. Houses are typically wired for 120 volt which means that a 12 volt pendant will require a transformer, but this information alone should not deter a shopper from 12 volt lights. 12 volt lights are safer to install and give a dim to medium glow that is very suiting to hanging mini pendants. 120 volt pendants do not require a transformer and shine brighter than their 12 volt cousin and are typically easier to install a dimmer with.
How do I install mini pendants?
If you do not have an existing fixture with an electrical box to attach the pendants too, this will have to be installed before installing the mini pendant. Here are basic instructions for installing a mini pendant not on a track, refer to the product specific instructions which come with the mini pendant purchased or refer to a professional before installing:
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Determine where you will be hanging the pendant, install an electric box if there is no fixture.
- Attach the mounting fixture from the mini pendant to the to the electrical box in the ceiling and screw the light’s bracket into the mounting fixture.
- Wrap one of the ground wires (copper) around the screw on the bracket and wrap the other ground wire around the first ground wire securely (it is a good idea to secure with a wire nut).
- Match the rest of the wires, black to black (live wires) and white to white (neutral wires) and secure with a wire nut.
- Push the wires up into the ceiling and attach the canopy of the pendant to the ceiling.
- Attach the light bulb, be sure to check wattage specifications for individual pendants.
- Flip the electricity back on and test the lights!
How high should I hang my mini pendant lights?
If the mini pendants are being hung over a surface they should hang between 28 and 34 inches from the base of the pendant shade to the surface. If the mini pendants are being hung in an area where people will walk under them (not traditional) they should be hung high enough that no guests hit their head.
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