Covering the light fixture electric box

firsttimeremode

Is there any way to cover the light fixture box if the fixture does not cover it?
Just to clarify what im talking about, when you take down a light fixture, you are left with a round plastic box in the ceiling that the wires run into, and it has a metal brace to support the fixture.

In my kitchen, we installed a fluorescent light fixture, but by the time we got it to stay in place, the box was left uncovered. the fixture would not fit in the direction it would have to in order to cover the box. Is there any way to cover it other than the fixture?

jrclen

Can you take a picture for us? You can buy a blank cover for a box.

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John

firsttimeremode

looks just like this, with the wires attached to a fluorescent fixture

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Dierte

How about a pic of your setup so we know exactly what you need

Jim Port

That is an old work box and easily removed or moved. You might be able to remove it and put the cable into the fluorescent fixture without a box.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

firsttimeremode

my setup is identical to that pic, with the fluorescent fixture on the ceiling to the left of it. the wires are coming from the fixture, and attached to the wires coming out of the ceiling box. its identical.

firsttimeremode

im mainly seeking something to cover the wires

Dierte

Why not put the fixture directly over it. Couldnt you have just toggled it where you wanted it?

Jim Port

The splice needs to be made in the box or in the wiring compartment of the fixture. The splice cannot just hang out in the air.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

firsttimeremode

no. The ceiling is shaped weird and when we tried to hang it directly over the box, it kept moving, it wouldnt stay put. We had to turn it a different direction and now it doesnt cover the hole, its about four inches to the left of the hole

firsttimeremode

Jim: Yeah we made the splice inside the box, and the coated wire spans the four-inch space between the hole and the fixture. Do they make a cover for the box

hammerlane

This is the visual you convey with your statement

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hammerlane

Now this is the visual

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firsttimeremode

Hammerlane: second visual is correct

hammerlane

you could purchase a round cover with a center knockout but you are not allowed to have romex exposed on ceiling like you propose

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