Larry recently contacted CSA International asking just that question... long story short, we found out that they would need to have several thousands of dollars, inspect our place where we work/wire as often as they would need to, test...etc...etc... they really didn't have any answers for us since we create one of a kinds...but were willing to 'work with us'... we saw dollar signs...

We know a blacksmith who took his finished chandelier to a company that manufacturers lighting and had them wire it for a fee... that might be a better option. We also talked with our insurance agent about the issue of wiring. He suggested buying the wiring kits and have the costumers hire an electrician, or wire it themselves... what little we know, there it is... if you find out more on the issue for artist blacksmiths, PLEASE post it.

Paula
Guthrie, MN

Hi Rob, I asked an electrician friend about this and he said that the actual sockets and such which you purchase are already UL certified. From what he said, if you have a certified electrician wire the fixture, from the wall/ceiling to the actual sockets in the fixture, you should be more than covered. Let us know what you find out.

Jake

Hello all,
Here in CA we searched out this very question about 6 years ago. Our answer was that as long as the actual sockets are UL approved (with the tag/sticker still on them) then you can wire the fixture yourself, but again a certified electrician must connect the wires to the building. I don't know if the codes have changed since then but I doubt it.
A second note though is that I wouldn't dare install any lighting without my liability insurance intact.
Matt

Rob,

A friend recently completed a large chandelier project for a home in Vermont, I believe it was. The wiring had to be UL approved, and it cost hime around $850 for the UL-approved shop to do the wiring work. Yes, that was a hefty charge, but he simply passed it on to the buyer.

The building codes in different areas have differing requirements regarding such things, and you simply have to check them out and get a WRITTEN opinion on what is required, then follow it to the letter. To do any lessis to open yourself to serious liability.

Whenever there is a structural fire, the first suspect is always any recent electrical or gas piping work. If you're unlucky enought o be the last guy who did any, you're the one they wind up pointing the finger at. You don't want them giving you the finger, believe me. (grin)

If there is no UL requirement in your jurisdiction, then you're prettymuch in the clear if you follow established conventions and document your work. I'd still have a licensed electrician do the final wire-in so that the liability becomes his. The hundred or so bucks for him to twist that final two wires together and put on the wire nuts is cheap insurance, in my mind. Again, he's the last guy who touched it and therefore owns the liability. As a licensed professional, it becomes mostly his responsibility to ensure that the device he is wiring in meets the code and safety standards.