Need to secure electric box in ceiling
#1
09-30-09, 10:25 AM
Need to secure electric box in ceiling
Hello,
I recently replaced a light fixture. I guess it was too heavy because a thin crack appeared in the plaster about 5 months later across the ceiling where fixture was attached (the kids constantly jumping in their room above didn't help either!).
I took the (heavy) fixture down but would like to put it back up.
Can someone please tell me how to secure a box in the ceiling that could hold a heavy light fixture. If possible I would like to avoid making big holes in the ceiling. The floor above is a finished bedroom (carpeted on top of wood floor).
I am attaching a photo of the current electric box between the joists.
Thanks.
I recently replaced a light fixture. I guess it was too heavy because a thin crack appeared in the plaster about 5 months later across the ceiling where fixture was attached (the kids constantly jumping in their room above didn't help either!).
I took the (heavy) fixture down but would like to put it back up.
Can someone please tell me how to secure a box in the ceiling that could hold a heavy light fixture. If possible I would like to avoid making big holes in the ceiling. The floor above is a finished bedroom (carpeted on top of wood floor).
I am attaching a photo of the current electric box between the joists.
Thanks.
#2
09-30-09, 11:05 AM
One of the arms on the box isn't attached to anything. It goes half way across & stops. There is no support. A 2x4 across the span would do the trick. Then you don't need the arms. You can bolt the box to the 2x4.
Also, a box for a heavy fixture should have 8/32 screws instead of 6/32. What does that box have?
Also, a box for a heavy fixture should have 8/32 screws instead of 6/32. What does that box have?
#3
09-30-09, 11:20 AM
Thanks for the response.
I am not sure what size screws are being used. I will check.
It's too bad that only now, after the ceiling crack, that I see that the support only goes half way.
Is it possible to get a 2X4 inserted without making a hole much larger than the current one? Are there any other methods, like an extending arm or something that could be used to avoid patching a large hole?
Thanks.
I am not sure what size screws are being used. I will check.
It's too bad that only now, after the ceiling crack, that I see that the support only goes half way.
Is it possible to get a 2X4 inserted without making a hole much larger than the current one? Are there any other methods, like an extending arm or something that could be used to avoid patching a large hole?
Thanks.
#4
09-30-09, 11:33 AM
Super Moderator
You have enough room to use a ceiling fan support...bout $12-14 anywhere that sells fans. If it will hold a fan, it should hold most any light.
Something like this...
Westinghouse Saf-T-Brace Support Brace with Locking Teeth - 0110000 at The Home Depot
Something like this...
Westinghouse Saf-T-Brace Support Brace with Locking Teeth - 0110000 at The Home Depot
#5
09-30-09, 11:42 AM
What gunguy posted is what's usually used. Measure the distance first. It looks larger than the normal 16" to me. I don't think you'll be able to mount it without enlarging the hole. How did you get in there to take the picture?
#6
09-30-09, 11:53 AM
The joists are 14.5 inches apart.
I took the picture from an adjacent room that currently has no ceiling. It's about 6 feet away from the box (i used the zoom on the camera -i just love digital cameras for stuff like this).
Is it possible to screw something into the underside of the floor above. For example attach 2 (or 4) el brackets to a 6 inch 4X4 and attach them to the underside of the floor. Then attach the electric box to the 4X4. That way I don't have to make a huge hole. Or is that idea just wacky?
I took the picture from an adjacent room that currently has no ceiling. It's about 6 feet away from the box (i used the zoom on the camera -i just love digital cameras for stuff like this).
Is it possible to screw something into the underside of the floor above. For example attach 2 (or 4) el brackets to a 6 inch 4X4 and attach them to the underside of the floor. Then attach the electric box to the 4X4. That way I don't have to make a huge hole. Or is that idea just wacky?
#7
09-30-09, 12:08 PM
Is it possible to screw something into the underside of the floor above. For example attach 2 (or 4) el brackets to a 6 inch 4X4 and attach them to the underside of the floor. Then attach the electric box to the 4X4. That way I don't have to make a huge hole. Or is that idea just wacky?
Reply With Quote
Reply With Quote
The box detaches from the new fan support and the hanger installs from below. It contains a threaded rod. As you twist the tube the rod extends our. You finish with a twist of a wrench to be sure it is tight between the joists then mount the new box. It is intended to be installed without enlarging the hole.
This is really a question for the electrical forum but since your getting good answers no reason to repost.
#8
09-30-09, 12:41 PM
If the joists are 14.5" apart, the box gunguy posted, or something similar is fine. Great camera work.
Also, there are what's called Medallions to cover a larger hole, if you have to cut it.
Also, there are what's called Medallions to cover a larger hole, if you have to cut it.
