Examine the Existing Box
The box in the ceiling must be able to
support the weight of the new fixture. Chances are that if it was a small
fixture like the one shown in the pictures you will have to remove it and
replace it with a stronger model. If you have access to the space above the
room, go up there and examine the box. If the box is anchored to the rafters by
four metal "legs", you're in good shape. If it is a simple box nailed to the
rafter, you'll have to replace it.
There are two different scenarios for
replacing the box. If you have access to the area above the ceiling, you can
purchase a box like the one here or mount a piece of wood between the rafters
and then affix a metal box to it. Both of these are shown in the pictures to
the right. The box pictured at right is not the only solution, there are at
least four different kinds of spreaders (the metal legs) that you might
encounter. All of them work via the same principle. You spread the legs to fit
between the rafters and then affix them using a screw or nail. Screws are
recommended as they are les likely to disturb the drywall which normally hangs
from the rafters. Whether or not you choose to hang the box from a piece of
wood or use the prefabricated box, you'll also have to make sure that you
position the box correctly. Make sure not to hang it too close to the ceiling
or the box will protrude through the ceiling.
If you don't have access to the area above
the ceiling then you will have to purchase a different kind of box. This kind
of box uses a spreader that has a nut in the middle that turns and forces the
spikes on the legs into the rafters. This kind of installation is trickier than
the others but still fairly simple. When you have secured the legs against the
rafters there is usually a U-bolt that goes over the legs from which the box
hangs. Just as above, make sure that you hang the box flush with the ceiling or
it will show and these boxes don't come in decorator patterns.
After the box is mounted in place, route
the wires through the box (make sure you use a cable clamp to protect the cable
where it comes into the box).
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