D.I.Y., INSTALLING A SURFACE FIXTURE, RECESSED FIXTURE OR CEILING FAN

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There are several things to consider before you start on installing a surface fixture, recessed fixture or ceiling fan:

1. You must be able to install a switch leg (2-wire cable with ground) from a switch to the fixture or fan–this most often requires attic space between the two.

2. A heavy fixture or fan will require either wood backing or a retro-fit box, rated for the weight.

3. A recessed fixture requires at least 6” of clear space between trusses, so look before you cut.

IDENTIFYING YOUR INSTALLATION LOCATION:

After making sure that you can get a switch leg from the switch to the fixture (or fan) location, make sure that the location on the ceiling will actually work in the attic space above.  To do this:

• With a long thin screwdriver, poke a very small hole in the ceiling at the center point of the to be installed fixture or fan, leaving the screwdriver blade in the ceiling.

• Climb into the attic.  Find the screwdriver blade. Now determine if there is physical, clear space from the truss for a box to be recessed, or a recessed fixture to be installed.  If not, the recessed fixture might have to be moved off-center.  Can you live with that?

• PLEASE NOTE:  A surface-mount fixture could be mounted on a pancake box (1\2” deep box) on the bottom of the truss.  A ceiling fan can also be mounted on a pancake box that is rated for ceiling fans, but additional wood backing should be installed in the attic to support the weight.

• You have now located the screwdriver blade and have enough room between the trusses. Next, let’s install the fixture:

 INSTALLING A RECESSED FIXTURE:

Using a remodeling recessed fixture, trace the whole to be cut and cut it out.  Install the switch leg from the switch to the hole (see “D.I.Y., Adding a Switch”).

1.  Install the cable into the job box provided with the fixture:  white, black and bare, to the fixture’s white, black and bare. Using your wire nuts, make sure that there is a Romex cable connector protecting the cable as it enters the junction box.

2.  Install the fixture up-and-into the hole, using the directions that come with the fixture.  Secure it in place.  Install the trim ring and lamp.

INSTALLING A SURFACE-MOUNT FIXTURE OR CEILING FAN:

1.  While in the attic, install wood backing between the trusses, or install a retro-box, which has braces and claws.  Rachet into the trusses on either side (make sure it is rated for the weight).  Mount your box.  Install the switch leg, and connect the wires: black to black, white to white and bare to bare (green to green in some cases).

2.  Install and secure fixture/fan into place, using the directions furnished with the individual fixture or fan, for final assembly.

3.  Turn off power.

4.  Tie-in switch leg into switch.

5.  Re-energize and test.

Romex is a registered trademark of Southwire Company.

Related articles

• D.i.y., Wiring a Three-way Switch System (electricauthority.org)
• D.i.y., Let’s Wire Your New Bedroom (electricauthority.org)
• D.i.y., Light Fixture Rules (electricauthority.org)