What kind of box do you use for a ceiling light?
Octagon and Round Electrical Boxes Octagon and standard-size round boxes range from 1 1/2 to 3 inches deep and are the standard box for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds. They provide much more room for wiring than shallow round pan boxes and can be used as junction boxes.
How do I know if my junction box will hold a ceiling fan?
The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations. If the original box is not listed for this purpose, it must be retrofitted and attached securely to the building structure.
Can you bury a junction box in a ceiling?
2 Answers. You cannot cover any junction box that still has live wires in it. Your best bet is to either remove the box all together or just put a cover plate on it.
Can you use an outlet box for a ceiling light?
You use electrical boxes to join two or three runs of wire together, hold switches and receptacles, or to hang light fixtures. A covered electrical box in the ceiling or a ceiling receptacle box will require an inspection to ensure that you can use it to install a light fixture.
How much weight can a plastic ceiling electrical box?
A ceiling box can support a fixture of 50 pounds or less. A ceiling box rated for “fan support” can support a fan of 35 pounds or less.
Should ceiling electrical box be flush with drywall?
When you install an electrical box, make sure it is flush with the surface of this drywall strip; this will ensure the boxes are at the proper depth when the walls are finished.
Can a plastic junction box hold a ceiling fan?
Electricians use both metal and plastic boxes, and the latter are preferred in some cases because they are inexpensive, easy to use and naturally insulated. They aren’t made for supporting much weight, however, and shouldn’t be used to support a ceiling fan.
Do ceiling fans need a special box?
Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that’s designed to hold a heavy fixture. It will not only hold the wiring, but also support the full weight of the fan. Make sure the electrical box that holds the ceiling fan in place is fan-rated.
Why should you not bury a junction box?
It is against most building codes to bury a junction box in the wall. In addition to being dangerous, doing so is also impractical. If an electrician needed to access the junction box, she would need to cut a hole in the wall.
How big of a junction box do I need for a ceiling fan?
Octagon and standard-size round boxes range from 1 1/2 to 3 inches deep and are the standard box for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures weighing up to 50 pounds. They provide much more room for wiring than shallow round pan boxes and can be used as junction boxes.
What kind of electrical box is used for ceiling?
Round pan, or “pancake,” boxes typically are only 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch deep. They are used most commonly for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures that weigh no more than 50 pounds. Some types of specially rated metal pan boxes may be used for mounting ceiling fans, but not all pan boxes may be used for this purpose.
Where do junction boxes need to be installed?
Junction boxes must be installed where they are always accessible; never install a junction box in a concealed wall or ceiling space where the box cannot be accessed in the future. Junction boxes also must be covered with solid covers with no holes. Continue to 9 of 11 below.