How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

When working in finished areas use a stud finder to locate studs.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them. Cut along the trace line with a drywall saw and remove the cutout. 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. Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling.

Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring. Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. If the box has a cable clamp remove the locknut. 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. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. Most ceiling boxes are large enough. If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist.

For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. 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. Place the back of the box on the wall or ceiling and adjust it straight and level. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw.

The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. Disconnect the cable from the box. Deep octagonal or round ceiling boxes are quite large and overcrowding is rarely a problem. Trace the outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil.

Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. Select boxes that meet local codes. The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall.

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. Before cutting a hole use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.

It should be 48 from the floor. Pry the tab and pull the cable out. Pry out the box s mounting nails and pull the box down from the ceiling. Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs.