How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

Determine a location for the light switch. Strike the ends of the bar hanger with a hammer to drive the hanger s metal prongs into the joists. When working in finished areas use a stud finder to locate studs. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring.

Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. Cut along the trace line with a drywall saw and remove the cutout. If you want to install a ceiling fan then you will need to get a box rated to hold the weight of a ceiling fan or you will want to add some additional bracing to hold the ceiling fan. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace.

Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. Select boxes that meet local codes. For new construction installations diagram the room and be sure you have enough electrical boxes to accommodate all the light switches outlets and fixtures you need. Before cutting a hole use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way.

Pry out the box s mounting nails and pull the box down from the ceiling. Deep octagonal or round ceiling boxes are quite large and overcrowding is rarely a problem. Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them. If the box has a cable clamp remove the locknut.

Feed the electrical cables through the hole and the self clamping holes on the back of the box. The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. An easy solution is to install a fan brace box available from home centers and hardware stores that s designed to be installed without cutting any additional holes in your ceiling.

Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling. Place the back of the box on the wall or ceiling and adjust it straight and level. Typical 1 1 2 to 2 in. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.

Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. It should be 48 from the floor. Install the ceiling box on an adjustable bar hanger if your ceiling opening is located between joists.

Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw. Trace the outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil. The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. Most ceiling boxes are large enough.