In my friend's older home, the existing gang box in the bedroom ceiling is tiny and cramped, with no space for anything. He wants me to put in a new light fixture (dome type with 3-60 watt max bulbs) to replace the plain porcelain one that also had three light bulbs on it.

The fixture he bought has a 1-inch thick yellow insulation on the top (about 12 inches in diameter) that would come into contact with the plaster ceiling. Since all the wiring necessary to attach the new light doesn't fit in the gang box, is it alright to just let is sit between the ceiling and the light fixture so that it in effect sits buried in the yellow insulation?

He had already loosened the old fixture when I got to his house, so I don't know if the old fixture had the wires and wire nuts also dangling in the cavity on the top of the porcelain, but I imagine that was the case.

Secondarily, how do I know if the wiring can handle the 90-degree standard, as the instructions say it must? The wiring is the old kind that is just a fuzzy-like covering so that it looks not unlike a pipe cleaner. I told him he woudl need to see an electrician about this, but while he's waiting, any ideas???

Thanks.

 

There are many problems here. (1) No, it is not okay to let the connections sit between the fixture and the ceiling. (2) This fixture calls for 90 degree wiring and you certainly do not have it. (3) Although you may assist your friend, the work must be his or you are setting yourself up for a huge liability.

If there is access above this room (an attic?), then all these problems can be solved.