How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

Determine a location for the light switch.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

Cut along the trace line with a drywall saw and remove the cutout. When working in finished areas use a stud finder to locate studs. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box. Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them.

It should be 48 from the floor. Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. Select boxes that meet local codes. Most ceiling boxes are large enough.

Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs. Feed the electrical cables through the hole and the self clamping holes on the back of the box. Trace the outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil. Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall.

The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. Pry the tab and pull the cable out. If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist. Deep octagonal or round ceiling boxes are quite large and overcrowding is rarely a problem.

Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. Strike the ends of the bar hanger with a hammer to drive the hanger s metal prongs into the joists. Install the ceiling box on an adjustable bar hanger if your ceiling opening is located between joists.

Typical 1 1 2 to 2 in. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring. 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. Disconnect the cable from the box.

Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. Place the back of the box on the wall or ceiling and adjust it straight and level. Pry out the box s mounting nails and pull the box down from the ceiling. Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling.

Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. 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. Before cutting a hole use a stud finder to make sure no joist or stud is in the way.