How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

Pry out the box s mounting nails and pull the box down from the ceiling.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. If the box has a cable clamp remove the locknut. Deep octagonal or round ceiling boxes are quite large and overcrowding is rarely a problem. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room.

Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Install the ceiling box on an adjustable bar hanger if your ceiling opening is located between joists. It should be 48 from the floor.

Trace the outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil. Feed the electrical cables through the hole and the self clamping holes on the back of the box. 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. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.

If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. Place the back of the box on the wall or ceiling and adjust it straight and level.

Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling. 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. Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. When working in finished areas use a stud finder to locate studs.

Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw. Disconnect the cable from the box. Strike the ends of the bar hanger with a hammer to drive the hanger s metal prongs into the joists.

Determine a location for the light switch. The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. Select boxes that meet local codes. Typical 1 1 2 to 2 in.

Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs. Pry the tab and pull the cable out. Most ceiling boxes are large enough. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring.