Install a Ceiling Electrical Junction Box
A ceiling electrical junction box is an empty metal or plastic open-ended container. A junction box is connected to an electrical conduit, wiring and a fixture or device like an outlet. A junction box can also be used to make wire connections and then be finished with a blank cover. Junction boxes located in the ceiling are generally used for fixtures and in some cases, receptacles. Track lights, chandeliers and ceiling fans require a ceiling junction box. Ceiling junction boxes can also be used for 110v smoke detectors and alarm systems. Many basements have ceiling mounted junction boxes with porcelain pull-chain light fixtures and outlets.
Instructions
Installation on an Unfinished Ceiling
1. Determine the weight of the fixture or device to be supported by the ceiling electrical junction box. Purchase a junction box intended for the weight of the fixture.
2. Sort the factory-assembled mounting hardware to ensure it is appropriate for your installation.
3. Position the open end of the ceiling electrical junction box so that it is either flush with the finished ceiling or recessed enough to accept a dimensional plaster ring, in the location specified for the fixture.
4. Connect the junction box to the side of the ceiling joists with 1" wood screws through the mounting holes. If the desired location is between ceiling joists, attach factory assembled arm brackets to both joists with the junction box positioned correctly. Alternatively, mount a block of wood between two joists and screw the ceiling junction box directly to the wood block.
Installation on Finished Ceiling
5. Remove a section of drywall to expose the ceiling joists at the location for the fixture or device.
6. Install the ceiling junction box using the above procedures, based upon the location of ceiling joists and weight of the fixture or device.
7. Repair and paint the ceiling.
Tags: ceiling joists, fixture device, ceiling electrical, ceiling electrical junction, ceiling junction,