i took a light fixture down the other day and there was no junction box in the ceiling. The light fixture was simply screwed into the drywall. and the wires were hanging out of a small hole in the drywall. if i put a new light fixture can i just use longer screws and screw it into the wood on top of the drywall?
2007-12-24 11:46:09 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
what is an after-set box or a old work box?
2007-12-24 13:24:21 · update #1
it depends on the light fixture. if you have a fixture where the wiring is completely enclosed, like a flourescent wrap, then you don't need a cut-in or after-work box. It will have a 1/2 inch knockout where the wire enters the fixture, and you can use longer screws, like you said. If you are shoving the wires from the fixture into the ceiling or smashing them against the drywall then get a cut-in box or a 1/2 inch pancake box.
2007-12-24 13:40:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
an old work box is a electrical box that has little ears on it you take the box put it on the celing trace around it and cut the hole with a drywall knife slide the wires thru the hole in the box and shove the box in the celing and tighten the screws with a screw driver. But dont over tighten the screws you'll break the ears off. And dont cut the hole too big either, it has to be the same size as the box.
2007-12-24 23:21:13 · answer #2 · answered by Bob S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Code, and safety, require that the cable
be firmly anchored where it terminates.
If the fixture is approved for use as a wireway,
(most fluorescents are), simply use a cable clamp
attached to the fixtures back , (it will fit in the hole),
and reinstall the fixture. (Do make sure it's solidly
fastened.)
If it's not, use an 'old work box` which will accept
the cable clamp, and fasten to the dry-wall.
You will have to make a cut out for the box.
2007-12-24 22:38:13 · answer #3 · answered by Irv S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe somebody did that! Best thing to do is install an "old work" box, if the new fixture isn't too heavy.
2007-12-24 20:42:45 · answer #4 · answered by robertdr60 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
old work means sheetrock is already up and finished,new work means new construction when studs are exposed.the electrical boxes are made a little different
2007-12-24 21:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by Helen M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be safe, use an after-set box.
2007-12-24 20:01:00 · answer #6 · answered by Snoonyb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋