Light Conversation — Chandelier Parts

More About Candle Covers aka Candle Sleeves 15

Are you searching for new chandelier candle sleeves?

I’m guessing your candle sleeves (aka covers) have become brittle and are breaking.  Or, they have turned an uneven and unsightly yellow.  Or, they’ve burned around the edges.  All of these occurrences are good reason to buy new candle covers.  So, how do you figure out what to buy?

Sizing – How to determine the proper size of your candle cover.

You will need to know how long they are – top to bottom.  Chandelier manufacturers use many different sizes – there is no standard.  Some are easy to cut with scissors or a serrated  knife, but others require a ban saw to cut. We are always happy to cut to size.

Next, you will need to measure the diameter.  Here are the most common diameters:

European Base - 15/16" inside

The European Base (for E14 220 sockets) is almost 1″.  These are not standard in the USA, but if you have imported a chandelier from Europe and are using bulb adapters, the above cover could be what you need.  We do have these available – but not on the web site.  Give us a call.

Candelabra Base is 7/8″ inside

The Candelabra Base, above, is most common.  These are for the small, E12 sockets, and the covers are 7/8″ diameter.

Medium Base is 1 3/8″ inside

The Medium Base socket cover is 1 3/8″.  This size is more commonly used on lamps these days, but prior to the 1950’s, it was quite common to see these on a chandelier.

Safety

For safety sake, don’t put higher than the recommended wattage in any socket, but most especially if you don’t want to ruin your candle sleeve.  A high wattage bulb will turn the edges dark or can even create a fire hazard.

Make sure that the cardboard insulator is slightly above the edge of the cover – this protects the cover from the heat of the light bulb.

Quick Tip

If the edges of your cover are brown, simply remove your light bulb, slip the covers off and turn them upside down.  Slip them right back on the socket so that the burnt edges are on the bottom and hidden.

Material

Candle covers are made of so many materials, but the most common is plastic.  Some plastic is heavy walled and opaque.  Some is not – so make sure to purchase quality plastic. Polymers are also common and frequently used to create the covers that look like wax drip candles. Cardboard is also available – a bit more like the old styles.  And, there are wax covers – which is beautiful, but make sure to follow the recommended wattage maximums so that they don’t melt.  Some more modern fixtures have metal covers, but these don’t generally need to be replaced.

Color

This is a matter of preference – there is no advantage in choosing one color over another.

As always, if we have missed any piece of information that you are curious about, send us an email or ask us here!

 

UPDATE to answer Elizabeth's question in our comment section:  

To extend a socket, you will have to change the socket out to a taller one or raise the existing one with a pipe under the socket. Either of these methods will require the wire to be longer to reach the higher contact points.  Sometimes there is enough slack in the wire to meet a higher point, but most likely the arms will need to have new wire pulled through. 

If you are lucky, your existing socket will be adjustable and set at the lowest point.  If so, you can loosen the screw holding the socket at the level it is and then slide it taller. Carefully.  Remember, the existing wire may not be long enough. 

Always turn your electricity off when working with your chandelier sockets! 

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