Chain - What Is The Difference Between Split-Link Chain & Welded Link Chain

 Sometimes you need a customer to remind you that your products may require some explanation, you the seller may understand them but you need your customers to understand them also.

In the last two weeks I have had two separate customers ask me "what is the difference between split-link chain and welded link".

Their question was not actually the physical difference as that is as the names suggest - split-link you can open the link up and then close it again, welded link you cannot.  Their question was really what are the benefits of one chain type over the other.

As I have explained split-link chain you can open the link up pass it through a closed loop on your chandelier or ceiling rose and then re-close the link.  This is beneficial for lighter weight chandeliers etc and does away with the need for extra fittings to attach the chain to the chandelier or rose.  

At present we have split-link chains that take up to 20kgs however we recommend that you do not take a chain up to its maximum weight loading; this is a safety precaution in case you have under weighed the item, when installing items of weight it is best to err on the side of caution.

Welded link chains do not have the option to open up links and so you require additional fitting components if you have closed loops on your chandelier or ceiling rose, these components are available from our website.  

Welded link chains are available in lower weight loadings with the heavier weight bearing chains being more popular with the chandeliers, lanterns, lights and mirrors exceeding 18kg.  Our 50kg weight load chain comes in 4 finishes, brass, silver, antique and black, with its simple link design in 1" available in a choice of lengths this chain is chosen by customers for projects requiring a chain to take weight loading from 10kg upwards.

If you require a chain with a more substantial weight bearing load please contact us.

As with all installation components you need to weight load test your chain and fittings prior to installation.  Please contact us if you have any queries by email or telephone 01206332938.

Installing Your Chandelier And The Importance of Weight Load Testing

 As you may be aware our Parent Company is King's Chandelier Services Ltd and as the name suggests they specialise in chandeliers.  They have an extensive range of antique and vintage chandelier parts and accessories that are sold direct from their website (a small selection being featured on our website), together with antique and vintage chandeliers for sale. In their workshops they undertake chandelier restoration and bespoke products. Chandelier cleaning and installation services are offered subject to availability.

Some of the most common questions that we are both asked when customers are choosing accessories for the installation of their chandeliers and lighting products are:-

"What do I need to install my chandelier/light fitting?"

"Why do I need to load test?"

The first question we will ask back is what weight is your chandelier/light fitting and dependant on the response we may ask if you have access to the floor above as you may need access to the joists from above.

King's Chandelier Services have written 2 blogs on these subjects and so I have included links below - both our websites stock the same items for installations and we are happy to answer any questions either by email or telephone - 01206332938 - if you give us a call you can choose whether your purchase is completed by either Light-Fix or Kings - you may not be too bothered but don't forget if you usually buy from one website let us know as your purchases all go towards your Lifetime Customer Loyalty Discount and we do not want  you to lose out!

Frequently Asked Questions How To Install My Chandelier

Weight Load Testing

Installing my chandelier - What do I need to do

Frequently asked questions – How to Install my chandelier
       

One of our most frequent questions we are asked is “what hook do I need and how do I install the chandelier?”

When choosing a chandelier chain you need to remember that the chain needs to take it's own weight as well as the weight of the chandelier so please allow for this when making your choice - our chandelier chains all detail the weight loading they are capable of taking.

The same principle applies when choosing hooks, you must remember to include the weight of the chain in with the weight of the fully dressed chandelier.


For the very light chandeliers and light fittings we have a range of hooks and fittings, each displaying the maximum weight load they can take – please take these calculations seriously they are for your assistance BUT ALWAYS load test before installing.


For chandeliers and light fittings over 5kg’s we would recommend the use of your ceiling joists to help accommodate the weight of the chandelier.  For chandeliers up to 20kg open and closed bolt loops are appropriate, please see links below, as the weight of the chandelier increases so to does the size of the bolt loop and so as you increase over  20kgs you will move onto the heavy duty open and closed bolt loops.


Remember – you do not just weight load before installing but intermittently during the installation of the fixings to make sure they are correctly secured.


On occasion you may come across difficult to access ceilings i.e. under floor heating or concrete floors, whilst we cannot give detailed assistance as site visits have not been completed we may on occasion be able to source the specialist fixings required.


Once having installed via the joist you will want to ensure that the ceiling entry point is disguised and for this you will need one of our metal ceiling roses with strap or ceiling domes.  You will need to customise your ceiling rose/dome by enlarging the centre hole to accommodate your chain and cable.

https://www.light-fix.co.uk/metal-ceiling-roses,-ceiling-plate-hooks/

https://www.light-fix.co.uk/chandelier-chains,-hooks-and-hoops/3/0/