Quick Electrical Question

[TromboneAl]

I want to put this

Fixture 001.jpg

here

Fixture 002.jpg

Can I just attach the wires and screw it to the ceiling, or do I need to put in a junction box (for code and safety)?

Thanks,

[HFWR]

I vote junction box; you can get boxes made for "old work" or "renovation". They have wings or clamps that allow them to be installed without being nailed to a stud. For the fixture you're showing, they should work. Might not hold the weight of a chandelier or ceiling fan, though.

[REWahoo]

I second using a junction box for safety. They're cheap insurance against the rare chance of an electrical fire.

[Rambler]

Junction box!...on both accounts, code and safety. Would your insurance pay if you had a fire from a non-code-compliant electrical fixture? I don't know the answer, but for a 2 buck junction box, I wouldn't risk the fire or insurance failure...

R

[Behan]

You should use a ceiling box, either metal or PVC will be fine. There are different ones available, depending on how you want to attach it.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Old work/remodel ceiling box. If you're using a fluorescent or other fixture that has an internal junction point then its not needed. Only good for a pound or two, if you're going to hang something larger/heavier it either needs to be strapped to the studs from the attic above (if possible) or use one of these:
Amazon.com: Westinghouse Saf-T-Brace Ceiling Fan Support Brace with Locking Teeth, Silver #01100: Home Improvement

Nice detailed guide to installing a basic old work ceiling box. Just dont use any wood with holes in it from old projects!

Installing An Old Work Ceiling Box or Remodel Ceiling Box

[Ronstar]

I vote junction box as everyone else has. As others have said, the remodel boxes work well for light weight fixtures and the support brace boxes work for heavier loads. But if your wire is next to a ceiling joist, i would use a "pancake box" Its a junction box that is the same thickness as drywall and is mounted directly to the bottom of the ceiling joist after a box sized hole is cut in the drywall. It gives more support than a standard remodel box.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

And once again, I just have to ask...

where is that black wire going to...?

[TromboneAl]

Thanks, I got a "pancake" junction box, which is designed to make it even harder to squeeze all the wires into the junction box.

The black wire was for the magic fingers bed.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl The black wire was for the magic fingers bed.

Not as weird as some of the ideas I had.

I never saw someone pull wires out of a ceiling and run them to something out of frame before. Errr...outside of Guantanamo.

Right now you should be saying "TA DA!"