How To Install A Ceiling Light Box

Some of these wires may be wired to different circuits than the fixture you re working on.

How to install a ceiling light box.

Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring. 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. Cut out the traced hole with an oscillating saw. If you plan to control the ceiling fan from a light switch make sure the switch is wired appropriately for the fan.

Turn off the power. At this point make sure that the installation is secure and that the fixture is. The electrical box or junction box is a code requirement that was established to prevent fires and other electrical accidents. If you are removing an existing fixture.

If your light fixture weighs more than 50 lbs it has to be supported independent of the electrical box. Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. Use a circuit tester or turn off the power to the whole house to ensure that all the wires in the box are dead. Trace the electrical box for the switch and cut it out the same way as the mounting box.

Slide a stud sensor across the ceiling in the area you want to install a junction box for your electric light fixture. Trace the mounting box on the ceiling where the light fixture will be mounted. If your fixture weighs more you may need to install a junction box that s designed to support heavier light fixtures. 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. 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. If you re wondering how you install a light fixture without an electrical box the short answer is that you don t. Use painter s tape or a pencil to lightly mark the ceiling joists.

Determine a location for the light switch. Junction boxes typically hold up to 50 pounds. It should be 48 from the floor. Screw the ceiling plate to the mounting strap or support rod then put the mounting stem onto the ceiling plate.