Installing an Electrical Box for a New Chandelier

This is the fun part of light fixture installation. When you have chosen your installation location, and that specific spot does not already have an installed electrical box, it is time to take matters into your own hands. You will need to install your own electrical box.

First, be smart and turn off the power at the circuit breaker. As in any other electrical project, add an extra protocol and place a piece of tape over the light switch so no accidents happen. Since you know that no electrical box is present that probably means you have the previous fixture removed. Now make sure the wires are disconnected as well.

Trace a circle on the ceiling where you want the box to be located. Using a drywall saw, cut a new opening I the ceiling. Now you will need to acquire an expandable bracket, that installs between the ceiling joists, which you will use to attach the box to. These brackets are generally used for ceiling fans. You then need to pass the bracket up through the hole, position it perpendicular to the joists on either side, then be sure to rotate the expansion bar. The pointed ends of the bracket are made to expand and dig into the ceiling joists, thus bonding it firmly in place.

Now you will have to position the smaller bracket (with two bolts attached) on top of the stable, larger bracket by placing it over the bar. Then all you have to do is slide the electrical box into the ceiling and tighten the bolts to securely fasten the box in place.

As a measure of ease, create a small hook out of a wire coat hanger and use it to hang the new fixture so your hands are free to work on connecting the wires, which is the next step.

When it comes down to the basic wiring of a light fixture, the general idea is simple. First, you will want to pass the electrical wires of the new fixture through the threaded nipple, then pass them through the strap on the electrical box and bring them back down. Separate and identify the wires.  Now you need to strip about an inch of the insulation from the tip of each wire.

Locate the wire that is completely exposed copper , or has green insulation. This is called the ground wire. You must bring this ground wire around the grounding screw so that it is attached to the fixture. All that is left is to make the connection between the wires that are coming out of ceiling and the ones that are stemming to the lamp itself. The black wire is generally called the Hot line, while the white wire is the neutral. Connect your white lines followed by the black. Use a wire nut to cover each connection and then fold the wires so thy tuck inside the box. Lastly you will slide the canopy, or light base, up to tighten it in place. And then you will return the electricity and test the fixture.