Replace Light Fixture Junction Box

Broken plastic electrical box swing clamp supports allowed the box to fall from the ceiling leaving the light fixture hanging by its electrical wires.

Replace light fixture junction box.

Ceiling light boxes consist of metal or plastic boxes. Remove screws securing the fixture to the ceiling box and lower the. Remove the light bulbs from the fixture. Cover the switch with tape to make sure it doesn t get turned back on while you are working image 1.

If the junction box is recessed more than 1 4 in. Install a plastic old work ceiling junction box if your fixture weighs 10 pounds or less. Pull the electrical cable that s hanging from the ceiling through a knockout hole in the back of the box. Turn off the power.

Install a surface mount box remodel junction boxes aren t intended to use outdoors so if you want to install a spotlight on the porch screw a surface mount box to the siding. Attach the wires from the new fixture with wire nuts to the corresponding wires in the electrical box. Unscrew the screws or nuts holding the fixture base to the ceiling box. Turn off the circuit breaker on the service panel for the light circuit being worked on.

If your light fixture pulls out from the ceiling chances are that the light box has cracked. How to replace electrical box for ceiling light. Before replacing a light fixture check your electrical circuit panel to locate the circuit. Secure the base or canopy.

Once the box is in place install the crossbar that comes with the light fixture connect the wires and secure the fixture to the crossbar. This is common when a layer of drywall or wood was installed over the original ceiling. From the surface of the wall or ceiling you ve got a code violation. Remove the old fixture.

Lower the fixture base and remove the electrical tape or wire nuts from the black hot wire white neutral wire and if present green ground wire. To replace an existing fixture first turn off electricity at the home s main electrical panel to the circuit that powers the light and its switch. We use an old work electrical box to replace a damaged or loose.