How to Install a Ceiling Outlet Box

A ceiling outlet box is most essential when you are installing ceiling light fixtures. This article will discuss how to install a ceiling and wall outlet box to help you complete a project efficiently and effectively.

The Typical Parts you need

The wall and ceiling fixtures fit into the standard electrical outlet boxes most of the time. They are easy to install or mount and can work immediately once you plug them to your outlets. All you have to do is prepare your outlets for these fixtures to come.

The outlet box fixture is basically mounted by a fixture strap or a fixture stud. Sometimes, you may need a plain nipple or an extension nipple for mounting certain fixtures. But most fixtures do not.

Included in the materials furnished by the manufacturers are additional mounting devices required some special types of light fixtures. You can read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for a very neat installation.

Installing the ceiling outlet box

Basically, you need to install a ceiling outlet box before you can mount a new ceiling fixture in your home. Though it is not too difficult to do, such installation also requires some of your time and a few of your effort.

Begin by marking the exact location of your outlet box on the ceiling. Now determine the exact dimensions of your outlet box by tracing it with a pencil. Then cut a hole in the ceiling following your drawing. Use extreme care in cutting the hole only to the exact size and dimensions that you have drawn.

Now there are several types of boxes and mounting devices available the market. Light weight lighting fixtures generally use boxes with expanding devices on the sides only. This is because they anchor in a relatively small area only. The Madison hangers fall into this category as well.

There are also outlet boxes that need to be nailed to ceiling joists. These boxes are provided with angled nailing holes that make it possible to position and nail the box into a hole cut in the ceiling. This means the hole for this type of outlet box needs to be cut next to a ceiling joist for nailing purposes.

The mounting bars on the other hand usually have an expanding feature that allows tightening between the joints. These bars shall be inserted through a hole cut in the ceiling. Some bars will just lay almost flat against the drywall above the ceiling. But others will require enough clearance above the ceiling to attach an electrical box to the bar and do have mounting brackets with them. The outlet box must be flushed with the ceiling surface, so adjust your mounting carefully to meet standards. Position the hanger bar carefully so it is firmly supported by the brackets.

Turn off power source for safety purposes. Then connect the feed cable to the ceiling outlet box. Using cable clamps, secure the electrical wire to the ceiling outlet box.

Finally, mount the ceiling outlet box on the hanger bar with the attached nipple and lock nut. Then connect the feed cable to a power source at an outlet box. Now you have just completed installing a ceiling outlet box and are ready to hang the ceiling fixture.