How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling. Disconnect the cable from the box.

Pry out the box s mounting nails and pull the box down from the ceiling. 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. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. When working in finished areas use a stud finder to locate studs.

Place the back of the box on the wall or ceiling and adjust it straight and level. Typical 1 1 2 to 2 in. It should be 48 from the floor. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring.

Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall. 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. Pry the tab and pull the cable out. Install the ceiling box on an adjustable bar hanger if your ceiling opening is located between joists.

Feed the electrical cables through the hole and the self clamping holes on the back of the box. Before cutting a hole use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way. Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. Trace the outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil.

If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. 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. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted.

Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs. 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. Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them.

Select boxes that meet local codes. The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box. If the box has a cable clamp remove the locknut.