How To Install Ceiling Light Electrical Box

Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.

How to install ceiling light electrical box.

If the box has a cable clamp remove the locknut. Most ceiling boxes are large enough. Pry the tab and pull the cable out. 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. Select boxes that meet local codes. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. Find the joists near where you want to install a ceiling electrical junction box by sliding a stud finder over the ceiling.

The nec dictates how many wires and clamps you can safely put in an electrical box. 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. Typical 1 1 2 to 2 in.

For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Position the open edge of the electrical box flush with the ceiling side of the drywall. Assure that the electrical box sizes you chose match the locations where you need them. Determine a location for the light switch.

Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. Place the end of the bar hanger against the ceiling joists. It should be 48 from the floor. Install the ceiling box on an adjustable bar hanger if your ceiling opening is located between joists.

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. Mark the positions of the joists nearest to where you want to install the. Deep octagonal or round ceiling boxes are quite large and overcrowding is rarely a problem.

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. The box shown has a slot that the cable slides through. Strike the ends of the bar hanger with a hammer to drive the hanger s metal prongs into the joists.

Check the label to make sure the box is designed to support more than 35 lbs. 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. 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 outline of the back of the box on the drywall using a pencil.