Hanging new light fixtures can be easy and add a fresh new look!
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New light fixture? Ready to tackle the installation yourself? After all, it’s just a couple of screws and wire nuts. Right?
Yes, that is the way it should be. Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy. The primary reason – incorrect mounting box in the wall or ceiling. This applies to exterior or interior lights.
What is the difference you ask? Well, the difference is that ceiling boxes, or junction boxes are made for light fixtures. Good so far? And switch boxes are made for; you guessed it – switches.
The problem – many times you will find that some lovely person has installed a switch box where you need a ceiling box. Light fixtures are typically manufactured to be attached to a ceiling/junction box. That round mounting bracket included with the new light fixture is designed to mount easily to the correct box. To a switch box – yeah, not so much.
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Not Acceptable!
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If you find a switch box (bottom pic) when you remove the old fixture – don’t despair. Naturally, feel free to curse! When you get the rant out of the way, get a proper junction/ceiling box, remove the annoying switch box, cut a new hole and install the correct box. After that – smooth sailing.
As always; have fun, be safe – and when working with electricity, trip the breaker and make sure the fixture is grounded correctly!
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What do you want to know about DIY?
Do you have specific projects you would like to tackle? Not sure how to get started? Convinced that you won’t be able to get answers to your questions at the hardware store? Great! Tom wants to know.
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Check back to see if your question gets answered here at the Good Men Project DIY on Tuesday and Saturday.