Old work ceiling box

[Electrical Al]

Is it illegal to use an old work ceiling box to support a light fixture?
The only support is the wings on the sheetrock. I think you should only use them for smoke detectors.

 

[LEO2854]

Is it illegal to use an old work ceiling box to support a light fixture?
The only support is the wings on the sheetrock. I think you should only use them for smoke detectors.

If it is just a regular light fixture i dont see why not

 

[jxofaltrds]

Is it illegal to use an old work ceiling box to support a light fixture?
The only support is the wings on the sheetrock. I think you should only use them for smoke detectors.

One example:

"The B618R is a round old work outlet box and is not listed for fixture support in
the ceiling. Only approved ceiling boxes are allowed to support fixtures in the
ceiling. These boxes will be permitted to support a minimum weight of 50
pounds. The B618R can be used in the ceiling as a junction box. Do not hang a
fixture from it since it relies on the strength of the ceiling itself."

From: http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf

 

[LEO2854]

One example:

"The B618R is a round old work outlet box and is not listed for fixture support in
the ceiling. Only approved ceiling boxes are allowed to support fixtures in the
ceiling. These boxes will be permitted to support a minimum weight of 50
pounds. The B618R can be used in the ceiling as a junction box. Do not hang a
fixture from it since it relies on the strength of the ceiling itself."

From: http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf

Thanks for the link mike
I did not know that about the blue boxes thats good info:grin:

 

[al hildenbrand]

Is it illegal to use an old work ceiling box to support a light fixture?
The only support is the wings on the sheetrock.

If the box is the T&B 618R or 618RP, the round plastic rework box is not listed for fixture support. Take a look at the bottom of page eleven of these catalog pages.

If you're using another manufacturer's box, look up the info at the manufacturer's site.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Ah, I see Mike got there first.

 

[jwjrw]

The boxes we use are marked for fixtures up to 6lbs

 

[curt swartz]

The boxes we use are marked for fixtures up to 6lbs

What boxes do you use?

Most round old work boxes are listed to support fixtures (10-15 lbs) in walls but I have never seen one listed to support fixtures in ceilings.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Ah, I see Mike got there first.

I get lucky every now and again. I am just happy someone agreed with me once!

 

[electricmanscott]

One example:

"The B618R is a round old work outlet box and is not listed for fixture support in
the ceiling. Only approved ceiling boxes are allowed to support fixtures in the
ceiling. These boxes will be permitted to support a minimum weight of 50
pounds. The B618R can be used in the ceiling as a junction box. Do not hang a
fixture from it since it relies on the strength of the ceiling itself."

From: http://www.carlon.com/FAQs/FAQ-ZipBoxes.pdf

I better tell people to start buying heavier fixtures.

 

[jwjrw]

What boxes do you use?

Most round old work boxes are listed to support fixtures (10-15 lbs) in walls but I have never seen one listed to support fixtures in ceilings.

It seems I lied. I went and looked and they are marked 15 lbs for wall support. I know I read something about 6 lbs somewhere. IDK where.

 

[al hildenbrand]

I know I read something about 6 lbs somewhere. IDK where.

Perhaps you are thinking of 314.27(A)Exception?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Even if the box would be listed to support a heavier fixture, the drywall itself is not suitable to support the box and its attached fixture.

 

[jwjrw]

Perhaps you are thinking of 314.27(A)Exception?

That is probably what I remembered reading.

 

[Electrical Al]

What about a steel old work with madison bars?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What about a steel old work with madison bars?

You are still hanging on the sheetrock. Also a steel old work box is not listed as a luminaire box. Read 314.27

 

[jxofaltrds]

You are still hanging on the sheetrock. Also a steel old work box is not listed as a luminaire box. Read 314.27

Dennis

Not to insult you but you must have not read or have the 2010 Hack Manual. I have the CD if you would like a copy. But you probably have a blank CD at your home so I will save the postage.

Article 90.1. All hack work is allowed.

Just having some fun. No one should take this personally.

 

[electricmanscott]

You are still hanging on the sheetrock. Also a steel old work box is not listed as a luminaire box. Read 314.27

You've never seen an old work 4" round metal box?

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Even if the box would be listed to support a heavier fixture, the drywall itself is not suitable to support the box and its attached fixture.

And neither is old plaster...ask me how I know.

 

[LarryFine]

And neither is old plaster...ask me how I know.

No way. We're not falling for that one.