How to Install Electrical Box for Ceiling Light Fixture

I’m going to show you how to install an electrical box in the ceiling so that you can install a new light fixture securely. You'll find that fluorescent light fixtures are sometimes installed directly on the drywall without an electrical box.
Products I used:
The borescope I bought: amzn.to/3QvSiwq (doesn't seem to be available now)
So, other highly rated borescopes selling for UNDER $40:
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electrical box I bought: amzn.to/3GZ6v1C
Other recommended electrical box: amzn.to/3ipQKaV
One option is to install an old work electrical box, which is cheap and easy to install. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to install one, but I’ve been told that they can only safely support fixtures that are about 6 lbs or less.
So, I decided to install a ceiling box that comes attached to a brace and can support much heavier light fixtures, including a ceiling fan. While there are several types of electrical boxes attached to a brace, I selected one that doesn’t require you to nail the brace into the joists. That was critical because I didn't have access from the top of the ceiling, such as as from an attic above. I got the kind that allows you to rotate and extend the length of the brace, sort of like the way you would turn and extend a shower rod.
Use a borescope to see what's above the ceiling drywall, where the wires are, and where the joists are, so that you can determine which direction you need to install the brace.
Separate the box from the brace by taking off a couple of screws and a couple of nuts (this will vary depending on the type of ceiling box brace you buy).
The box will be attached to the brace via a bracket.
Take off the screws attaching the box to the bracket, then just pull the bracket off the brace.
Trace a circle slightly larger than the size of the electrical box.
Cut out a hole in the ceiling using a drywall saw.
Put the brace into the ceiling through the hole.
Situate the brace properly on top of the drywall.
Rotate or turn the brace to extend it so the ends of the brace push up against the 2x4’s or joists in the ceiling, which can be up to 24 inches.
Borescope can help view and adjust the position of the brace so that it makes good contact with the wood.
Punch out the holes that the wires will be coming out from. You actually need just one hole but I punched out two, so that I have more options.
Now, attach the box to the brace:
Push the bracket back on the brace.
Align the electrical box so that the 2 screws on the bracket come through the holes in the box.
Then I can either put the 2 nuts back on these screws or put the other 2 screws back on.
How to install electrical box for heavy light fixture
How to install electrical box for ceiling fan
FULL DISCLOSURE and DISCLAIMER: The links above are affiliate links, which means that I could earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Also, because sellers can run out of inventory or change prices at their whim, I cannot guarantee the availability of the item or that the price will remain the same.

[@ellsrustia6329]

Your presentation of installing a new electrical box for heavy lighting fixtures is much better than most You Tube videos I found. Thank you very much. - From Ontario, Canada.

[@longsnapper5381]

Nicely done, lady. Only one criticism, you need a Romex clamp style connector to pass the cable in to the metal box. Those sharp edges of the circle in the metal box don't play well wire the cable covering. Overall, very nice job. Every guy who has done this is admiring those small hands for this job.

[@loh1639]

Thanks,

[@rogeryanez8107]

What are the drawbacks of not using the Romex clamp?

[@longsnapper5381]

@@rogeryanez8107 None other than the sharp edge of the hole slicing through the protective insulating cover of the cable and the enclosed wires causing a short circuit to the box giving us a fire hazard as well as electrocution risk if the circuit breaker did not operate correctly.

[@maricurras55]

I have seen a couple of videos about changing fluorescent light fixture for another type and no one has mentioned that you could face this issue, so you did a magnificent job! 😊

[@loh1639]

Thank you so much for the great video. I have 2 ugly builder grade fixtures in the front bathroom of the house I bought 3 years ago. I immediately bought new fixtures, but there are no boxes in the wall holding up the fixtures that are there, and no studs to attach a box to. I have not know what to do and didn't know this type of box existed. I just subscribed, as I watched your first video on taking the fluorescent fixture down (my son has this in his kitchen). I then liked that video and looked to find this video to finish the project. I am so glad I did. Now I am able to get rid of those ugly fixtures in my bathroom as well as help him get rid of his ugly kitchen light. Thank you so much.🙂

[@happycamper6352]

Your tutorial shows how you handled some unexpected issues. I appreciate that.

[@lilMariJah-rv4wy]

Som etían

[@jwaustinmunguy]

You need to secure the Romex wires where they pass into the metal box. You need a clamp designed for the knockout and cable. This could eventually chafe and cause a short. The fire investigators will identify the CODE VIOLATION. There is a simple fix, and you are good to go. Small hands are really useful.

[@KYKCreations]

thank you for the tip!

[@kounchhmar9490]

Thanks for the tip!

[@CoolGames89]

The second violation is having an open hole in the box

[@t.harrisonharrison574]

Excellent instructional video. Great job with clear instructions and video.

[@kimchee94112]

You could remove that knockout later although you could use a plug to close it up until it's needed. Could be NEC violation (110.12(A) ?) but who's going to see it unless the ceiling caught on fire providing your homeowner's insurance an excuse to denied the claim. Electrical metal plugs under $2. Also Romex need a NM clamp or plastic grommet.

[@CoolGames89]

I made a similar reply

[@kimberlybain5279]

This is such a great video!! Thank you for posting!

[@brettrobinson2379]

Great tutorial, thank you!

[@kc2738]

Nice job! Though, it is extremely important to use a proper Romex connector to secure the wire to the box.

[@KYKCreations]

Oh, the box came with plastic push in connectors, but I totally disregarded them because I didn't realize that was so important. Thank you for the advice!

[@CoolGames89]

Also you shouldn’t have open holes in the box because if some sparking were to occur to the wiring connection it will go through the hole and spark the insulation. That’s why it’s also important to use the correct romex connection

[@FixChick]

Nice job!! I was a little scared ypu were gonna scratch your counter other that awesome video. Gonna buy the barascope with your link. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@thehoffer]

Outstanding video. Thanks for posting this.

[@manaoharsam4211]

You explained very well.

[@billthestinker]

Great job and informative

[@isidragarza1159]

You are amazing! Thank you!

[@n33oh]

Great video and details!

[@joelandino364]

Great video - thank you very much.

[@michaelsavich9348]

Nice job👍

[@1hinchey]

Well Done!

[@avflyguy]

Agree.. That looks exactly what I want to do... The only *mistake* you made was 1. punching out two knockout's in the box. The bigger more concerning one is lack of cable connector going into the box and running your wire through it a snug down. Without that cable clamp, you've not only violated every electric code anywhere, but you've have a situation of those *wires rubbing on the bare edges of the metal box creating a significant fire hazard* Fortunately, you can fix this relatively easy.

[@KYKCreations]

thanks for sharing this information!

[@justincooper1626]

thanks for this

[@MrSabunyc]

Amassing video

[@n33oh]

You inspired me to do this too!

[@JohnSmith-wx8ex]

You are a very impressive Asian handy lady. Great work !!

[@wirefeed3419]

In general a well done installation unfortunately you missed the most important safety requirement by not installing the Romex pinch connector needed to secure the wire and protect it from the sharp metal edges of the hole you passed the wire through. The connector is cheap and needs to be used.

[@vinceaccardi5242]

Thanks!

[@KYKCreations]

Thank you so much, Vince!! 😊💕🤗

[@montamang837]

Just for light you could use led light directly to the ceiling that doesn’t need mounting box. This kind of box is needed actually for heavy light and fan

[@KYKCreations]

that's true. light weight light fixtures don't need this kind of box.

[@loh1639]

@@KYKCreations I'm glad you did it this way, so we could have the choice of hanging something with weight and know how to do it. Thanks

[@KenArmstrong-ot4cb]

shouldn't the wire going into the box be clamped down so no slack can go back up though that open hole?

[@_.Dave._]

You need a knockout wire clamp so the edge of the knockout does cut the romex and start a fire.

[@cesarcacayan6916]

These are easy installTion boxes, try installing electrical boxes on electrical wiring in conduit, romex are easy to work on.

[@kathybelk1333]

Love it . women are truly capable

[@astang1072]

You MUST have a connector for the wire to go through the opening in the metal box! Fire risk if the sharp metal chafes through the casing.

[@KYKCreations]

Thanks for sharing this valuable information!

[@saboorsaboor704]

lots of mouse dropping in the ceiling

[@adrewdio2694]

DO NOT INSTALL POWER WIRES INTO AN ELECTRICAL BOX WITHOUT A CONNECTOR THAT WILL TIGHTEN ON ONE SIDE OF THE WIRE, THAT YOU WILL SCREW A NUT ONTO THE THREADED SIDE. Great presentation on the procedure though, to install the parts to hold inside the joist. I don't know the electrical code for your area, but in the US, it's a code violation since the fixture that has a short circuit would be energized if it's not properly grounded. Thanks for sharing. Also, if the wires are used to power a fan, vibration would cause rubbing and eventually, a short, then a fire could result. Do the job good so the next person will be ok. Also, don't use that to hang a fan since the rating is for a light fixture and it would cause a problem sooner or later.

[@KYKCreations]

Thanks for the information! The light fixture is properly grounded, and the box is appropriately rated for the weight. You are right about the being concerned about the vibration from a fan and that we will need to make sure the light box can sustain the weight of the fan.

[@adrewdio2694]

@@KYKCreations Proper grounding means the connector, called a "BX to box connecter", must be tightened to hold the wire on one side, with the threaded part used on the inside of the electrical box, with the nut that resembles a gear with cogs on it, that can be tightened with an old heavy slotted screw driver, which is used with a hammer, since there's little clearance, to tighten with a channel lock plyers. Also, ground wire must be attached to your light fixture and to the electrical box, as well as the wires feeding into your box if they're the shielded armor cable type or otherwise (Ground wire/ screw, must Be green colored, must be attached to the ground screw hole inside the bumped up part of your box. #12 wire is fine and wire must be in clockwise direction, when tightening around the screw, it must be tightened around the screw, then screw into the hole. Also, check the "This Old House" website, for the proper how to videos on this Regardless of weather you use rubber or metal shielded wire, it must be properly grounded Through the entire circuit from the circuit breaker, threw the wires, into your connection s, then to your fixture. If using armored cable, a small plastic sleeve(red color.) called an anti short bushing is used at the end of the wire, that fits around the three wires and is commonly held in place with the metal shielded wire, commonly found among the other wires of " white, black, red, green", etc., and is smaller and thinner then the other wires, used before the wire is put threw the BX to box connection. To be clear, the red anti short connection is put inside between the armored cable and wires, where the shielded part stops and the power, neutral, ground wires, go threw it, with the lip of the bushing seated on the sharp section of the armored cable. Any place not grounded is a place where heat can build up, resulting in fire, if the circuit breaker cannot disconnect your circuit. Thanks for your feedback nonetheless. In my years doing home repair, I've seen many mistakes by qualifying Electricians and I'm not licensed! I check codes often because they sometimes change from year to year, for various reasons. If home repairs are made, wire nuts, box connection nuts, can get loose from vibration, resulting in ungrounded equipment so it's better to have ground wires inside threw your entire circuit, to avoid these issues.

[@Elevendyeleven]

As soon as she pulled out that camera I was out, lol!

[@markpr73]

You need some D-Con!

[@KYKCreations]

you noticed! i didn't know what that was because i've never seen them before. i realized what they were only after i started seeing them everywhere else in the house as i started working on updating this rental. Anyway, the house got professionally treated and cleaned.

[@reddyuda]

@@KYKCreations Good, don't mess around with rodents. They are absolutely ruthless and will cause an insane amount of damage if you don't go nuclear on them

[@zanfasoabi7628]

FYI you have rodents

[@KYKCreations]

thanks. now i've learned signs of rodent problem.

[@tinycircle14]

This is good, but you have a rodent problem :/

[@jk-ml5fb]

A lot of rat poop

[@KYKCreations]

😬That was my first time ever seeing those, so I didn't even know what they were at first! Yep, it was pretty gross after I realized what they were... .

[@jk-ml5fb]

@KYKCreations I know because I had the same thing, I took a workshop vac and vac them up good.

[@user-wt5cq2mo7f]

Two obvious code violations for no cable clamp and open hole in box. If you don't know what you are doing don't do it.

[@KYKCreations]

Thanks for the info on code violations. I'll have to remember that for next time when I install an electrical box.

[@jwaustinmunguy]

Go back and fix this installation. You must have clamps in each of the knockout holes. Never say "I'll do that next time".