Cut-in luminaires

[steve holt]

If you are using "cut-in" fixtures in new installations, do you have to use the manufacturers plate that has the provision for the fixture clips to rest on, or can it rest solely on the drywall? Also, does for new construction can the loose driver JB be floating or does it have to be securely mounted to the structure or framing?

 

[infinity]

IMO on new construction the box is required to be secured. On old work where the fixtures are installed in existing drywall it's becomes more gray. In general all boxes must be secured.

 

[electrofelon]

The halo rough in pans are nice and they have some studs and thumb screws to secure the driver to.

For a long time I would just make note of all the wire locations and cut the holes in after drywall...... But I got sick of the mess and dust and being a drywaller and I mostly use the rough-in pans now, so much nicer.

 

[kwired]

If you don't install the driver at rough in (bet few ever do) it is a PITA to try to secure the driver to the screws on the plate. If the screws are even still there. I did install one driver at rough from recollection. Was over a stairway and likely to be easier to make up connections during rough in. I didn't want to have to make wiring connections at trim out, just plug it in and snap the rest of luminaire into the hole. I wouldn't want to know how many the pigtails from the drivers would be damaged if left to the mercy of drywallers if I installed all of them at rough in.