[ZZZZZ]

Forgive the noob-ish electrical question.

I've got a new light fixture to install in a brand new location (no electrical box in place).

It needs to go smack in the middle between two joists in the finished ceiling (16" OC).

Here's the old work box I was looking at :

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-18-cu-in-Round-Old-Work-Ceiling-Box-B618RR/100404072

OK, I know it says not for fixture support, but a couple of DIY books I have says this type of box can actually hold about 5 pounds.

My new fixture weighs about 3 1/2 pounds.

Is this a case of the mfg or the retailer just trying to CYA and say it can't support anything, or do I need to go with a brace-type box.

Thanks.

 

[jmon]

I agree, the only thing supporting those cut in boxes is the drywall itself.

If you want added security install a retro brace available from any big box store. That way in the future if you want a ceiling fan there instead you'll be all set. Up to you. Just a suggestion.

Pretty simple installation.

 

[Oso954]

It's not a CYA statement. That box is not UL rated for fixture support in a ceiling. All the weight would be only on the 3 tabs. Used in a wall for sconces it works fine.

Carlon calls it an old work round box. It's HD and others that call it a ceiling box.

 

[MrElectricianTV]

Forgive the noob-ish electrical question.

I've got a new light fixture to install in a brand new location (no electrical box in place).

It needs to go smack in the middle between two joists in the finished ceiling (16" OC).

Here's the old work box I was looking at :

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-18-cu-in-Round-Old-Work-Ceiling-Box-B618RR/100404072

OK, I know it says not for fixture support, but a couple of DIY books I have says this type of box can actually hold about 5 pounds.

My new fixture weighs about 3 1/2 pounds.

Is this a case of the mfg or the retailer just trying to CYA and say it can't support anything, or do I need to go with a brace-type box.

Thanks.

Do not use that box for fixture support on a ceiling. Install a fan brace and box and it will be good for almost any type of light fixture that you install now or in the future.

 

[ZZZZZ]

OK, thanks guys, I'll use a brace box.

I just find it odd that my local Home Despot doesn't stock the brace boxes, they must be special ordered, as if old work ceiling remodeling is not common. (It isn't? )

We don't have an electrical supply house in my little town (just a plumbing supply). We do have a TrueValue, and they don't stock the brace box either. But their listing for that plastic round box says OK for light fixtures.

http://www.truevalue.com/product/Ceiling-Round-Old-Work-Box/10308.uts?keyword=old%20work%20box

Makes little sense :confused1:. But I'll go ahead and order the brace box from Despot.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Raco-Retro-Brace-with-1-1-2-in-Ceiling-Box-936/203743171

 

[MrElectricianTV]

OK, thanks guys, I'll use a brace box.

I just find it odd that my local Home Despot doesn't stock the brace boxes, they must be special ordered, as if old work ceiling remodeling is not common. (It isn't? )

We don't have an electrical supply house in my little town (just a plumbing supply). We do have a TrueValue, and their listing for that box says OK for light fixtures.

http://www.truevalue.com/product/Ceiling-Round-Old-Work-Box/10308.uts?keyword=old%20work%20box

Makes little sense :confused1:. But I'll go ahead and order the brace box from Despot.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Raco-Retro-Brace-with-1-1-2-in-Ceiling-Box-936/203743171

I am surprised that your Home Depot does not stock them. The HD's in my area all stock the Westinghouse brand of fan boxes and braces. They tend to be hidden on an obscure shelf around the ceiling fan displays.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-15-5-cu-in-Retrofit-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Brace-0110000/204845572

 

[jbfan]

Look in the ceiling fan section.
That is where I find most fan rated boxes.

 

[ZZZZZ]

I am surprised that your Home Depot does not stock them. The HD's in my area all stock the Westinghouse brand of fan boxes and braces. They tend to be hidden on an obscure shelf around the ceiling fan displays.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-15-5-cu-in-Retrofit-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Brace-0110000/204845572

Thanks,

Hmmm, that one didn't come up in my Search of the HD web site, only the Retro-Brace unit. I just special-ordered the Retro-Brace a minute ago. I'll have a look around the store for the Westinghouse the next time I'm there.