Wall fixture cut in boxes used in ceilings

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CustomElectricLLC

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So how many of you uses these fixtures in ceiling mounted applications lol? Dont lie I know a lot do. Anyhow had some interesting discussions about this topic with some friends and obviously they are wall install only. But many times are used for pendant cut ins and more. What are some other options y'all using for a ceiling mounted fixture in old work/remodel applications? My only solutions have been using a remodel fan box that spreads between the joists.

 
CustomElectricLLC said:
So how many of you uses these fixtures in ceiling mounted applications lol? Dont lie I know a lot do. Anyhow had some interesting discussions about this topic with some friends and obviously they are wall install only. But many times are used for pendant cut ins and more. What are some other options y'all using for a ceiling mounted fixture in old work/remodel applications? My only solutions have been using a remodel fan box that spreads between the joists.

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Hmmm.......

Well shoot! Aside from using the remodel fan boxes you mention, these are what I've used.

Rob G
 
I use those for smoke detectors and some small specific use lighting where I know it will always be a small and light fixture. For anything else:
1. Bar hanger if attic is accessible
2. Old work fan spreader box as you mentioned
3. Box screwed to side of joist - you can sister layers of wood to the side of the joist to build it out if ur in the middle.
4. Blocks screwed to subfloor and built down like #3.
 
Our state allows those boxes for smoke or carbon detectors but not for lights.

I saw a 36" fan mounted to one of those. It was there for years until it wasn't. I got there and the nm cable was holding the fan from falling. It held for years-- owner wasn't sure how long it was up before she moved in but it was there for 3-4 years when she lived there.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Our state allows those boxes for smoke or carbon detectors but not for lights.

I saw a 36" fan mounted to one of those. It was there for years until it wasn't. I got there and the nm cable was holding the fan from falling. It held for years-- owner wasn't sure how long it was up before she moved in but it was there for 3-4 years when she lived there.
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The "Why does it need to be fixed, it works?" issue I get all the time.
I've used for small lights but always concerned about improper use and have seen stupid people putting putting ceiling fans on them. Usually I reserve for areas where a ceiling fan not likely or practical because of what someone will do. Even when space has a potential for a fan I will have the GC argue over installing a fan rated ceiling box/bar over the $10 difference in price.
 
LarryFine said:
View attachment 2559547
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This is the one I use for small ceiling stuff.
But it's not listed for ceilings, either.

The 3 points of attachment, and the swing-out clips make it a much better choice.

It's the only blue box I prefer.
Everything else I use is fiberglass

Funny, the item description calls it a ceiling box, but it says on the page that it's not listed for ceilings

 
CustomElectricLLC said:
So how many of you uses these fixtures in ceiling mounted applications lol? Dont lie I know a lot do. Anyhow had some interesting discussions about this topic with some friends and obviously they are wall install only. But many times are used for pendant cut ins and more. What are some other options y'all using for a ceiling mounted fixture in old work/remodel applications? My only solutions have been using a remodel fan box that spreads between the joists.

Click to expand...
Hardly ever.
Maybe for junction point on a self supporting fixture (fluorescent lights).
 
James L said:
This is the one I use for small ceiling stuff.
But it's not listed for ceilings, either.

The 3 points of attachment, and the swing-out clips make it a much better choice.

It's the only blue box I prefer.
Everything else I use is fiberglass

Funny, the item description calls it a ceiling box, but it says on the page that it's not listed for ceilings

Click to expand...
Cantex has one that is nearly identical looking except is black instead of blue. Mounting screws don't turn so hard on theirs though, they must pre-tap the holes or something unlike the Carlon's. I've found you can lubricate those screws before installing and that helps a lot. Otherwise it feels like you are going to break something sometimes as hard as they often turn.
 
kwired said:
Cantex has one that is nearly identical looking except is black instead of blue. Mounting screws don't turn so hard on theirs though, they must pre-tap the holes or something unlike the Carlon's. I've found you can lubricate those screws before installing and that helps a lot. Otherwise it feels like you are going to break something sometimes as hard as they often turn.
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I tighten the screws, then loosen, while it's in my hand. That way the whole in the clip gets threaded before I install it

If I don't do that, it seems the clips always get messed up
 
James L said:
I tighten the screws, then loosen, while it's in my hand. That way the whole in the clip gets threaded before I install it

If I don't do that, it seems the clips always get messed up
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They not going to turn any easier in or out of the wall that first time ;)
 
James L said:
This is the one I use for small ceiling stuff.
But it's not listed for ceilings, either.

The 3 points of attachment, and the swing-out clips make it a much better choice.

It's the only blue box I prefer.
Everything else I use is fiberglass

Funny, the item description calls it a ceiling box, but it says on the page that it's not listed for ceilings

Click to expand...

I agree, it says ceiling but then not listed in ceiling. I see a lot of these used for light weight pendants etc even in new construction, where the cheap EC just leaves whips and cuts them in during trim time. Which makes sense because generally those track homes are slammed in fast and casework’s drawings probably don’t exist, it’s just the way ring boxes. Some kid will pull on at at the breakfast bar and that’s all it’ll take.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
CustomElectricLLC said:
I agree, it says ceiling but then not listed in ceiling. I see a lot of these used for light weight pendants etc even in new construction, where the cheap EC just leaves whips and cuts them in during trim time. Which makes sense because generally those track homes are slammed in fast and casework’s drawings probably don’t exist, it’s just the way ring boxes. Some kid will pull on at at the breakfast bar and that’s all it’ll take.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Something in the fixture likely gives up anyway if the box is strong enough with many those small cord supported pendants.
 
James L said:
I tighten the screws, then loosen, while it's in my hand. That way the whole in the clip gets threaded before I install it

If I don't do that, it seems the clips always get messed up
Click to expand...
kwired said:
They not going to turn any easier in or out of the wall that first time ;)
Click to expand...
You must not have used these often. It will absolutely make them easier to turn when installing them if you run the screws in/out before installing them. If you don't, a lot of times the screw head will strip out when installing them, like Larry said. Or worse, you push so hard to keep the driver tip in the slots you damage the drywall.
Oh, and like James said, the clips don't hold straight. Seems the clips move enough to make the screw miss the hole. I've even had the clips fall off if I don't make sure the screw is started into the hole enough to keep the clips going straight in the channel they slide in.
 
I have used them for a fixture.
We call them two packs ( hall fixtures etc)
I also use for smoke detectors as well.

I also have used for light weight pendent fixture application.

Yes, fixture consideration is necessary; Chandeliers, NO.

So does that mean shame on me?
Like I hear a lot, " my bad"
 
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