- 1). Turn off the power to the light fixture. Disconnect the light fixture by removing the globe, bulbs and mounting screws with an applicable-type screwdriver to expose the wiring. Carefully remove the wire nuts, and test the wires with a voltage meter to confirm it is off. Disconnect the wires and remove the light fixture.
- 2). Determine a suitable location for the new ceiling box. Use a stud finder to avoid any ceiling joists or trusses. This allows you to use a cut-in box, which makes the project much easier.
- 3). Remove the bracket from the back of a round cut-in box, using a Phillips-head or slotted screwdriver, and set it aside. Place the backside of the cut-in box against the ceiling and trace its outline in the desired location, using a pencil. Reattach the bracket to the ceiling box and set it aside. Use a keyhole saw to cut out the opening for the new ceiling box, following the outline you just drew.
- 4). Enter the attic area and locate the old ceiling box. Take a pair of electrician's pliers, a flashlight, the applicable-type wire, wire staples and a hammer with you. The old box might be covered in insulation and difficult to find. Be careful where you step to avoid damaging the ceiling. Step only on ceiling joists or trusses, or you might fall through.
- 5). Cut a length of wire with electrician's pliers, usually 12-2 NM or 14-2 NM, and insert one end into the old ceiling box, leaving approximately 8 inches stubbed out of the box. Stretch the wire across the attic to the new location of the light fixture. Insert the other end of the wire into the new ceiling box opening, leaving about 12 inches stubbed out of the hole.
- 6). Staple the wire to ceiling joists or trusses, using wire staples and a hammer, approximately every 24 inches or so. You are now finished with the attic work. Gather any tools and carefully exit the area.
- 7). Insert the excess wire into the new ceiling box and tighten the clamping screw, if applicable, to secure the wire. Most cut-in ceiling boxes have this feature, but some simply have a plastic tab that holds the wire tight.
- 8). Insert the cut-in box into the opening and position it so that its outer lip sits flush against the ceiling. Using a Phillips-head or slotted screwdriver, tighten the mounting bracket screw to secure the cut-in box to the ceiling.
- 9). Remove the protective sheathing from the wire in the new ceiling box, using a razor knife. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each wire. Connect the black "common" wire to the common on the light fixture and secure it, using a wire nut. Repeat this step for the neutral "white" and ground wires.
- 10
Install the light fixture to the ceiling box, using the mounting screws and a screwdriver. Insert the light bulb and attach the globe in the applicable manner. - 11
Remove the protective sheathing from the wire stubbed out in the old ceiling box. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire. Attach the common to the common wires in the old ceiling box, using electrician's pliers and a wire nut. Repeat this step for the neutral and ground wires. - 12
Turn the power back on and test the light for proper operation. Cover the old ceiling box, using a blank or decorative cover. Install the cover with its mounting screws and the correct type of screwdriver.
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