How To Install A Ceiling Box For Lights

Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that s designed to hold a heavy fixture.

How to install a ceiling box for lights. Some of these wires may be wired to different circuits than the fixture you re working on. If your light fixture weighs more than 50 lbs it has to be supported independent of the electrical 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.

Installing a ceiling electrical junction box. Determine a location for the light switch. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. If you re wondering how you install a light fixture without an electrical box the short answer is that you don t.

The electrical box or junction box is a code requirement that was established to prevent fires and other electrical accidents. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw. Turn off the power. Run nm b cable from the power source to a switch box and then to the first hole allowing at least 18 inches of extra cable to make wiring easy.

It should be 48 from the floor. 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. It will not only hold the wiring but also support the full weight of the fan. You may find several pairs of wires in the ceiling box.

To replace a ceiling light fixture follow these steps. Installing a light fixture or outlet in the ceiling requires an electrical junction box to hold the wire connections and the fixture or device. Use a circuit tester or turn off the power to the whole house to ensure that all the wires in the box are dead. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room.