How to Replace the Electrical Box for Ceiling Light

Step 1

Turn off the electricity that supplies power to the ceiling electrical box by turning off the breaker at the Main electrical panel.

Step 2

Test to verify that the electricity is off. Use a two prong electrical tester and inside the original electrical box, touch one prong to the black wire and the other prong to the white wire verifying that the power has been disconnected. Referred to your tester’s instruction manual on how to verify disconnection of power.

Step 3

Remove the original electrical ceiling box. If the box is attached to a ceiling joist with a screw, simply remove the screw and pull the box out through the hole in the ceiling. Should the box be attached to a hanger bar that is connected to two ceiling joists, unscrew the ceiling box fastener located in the center of the electrical box to remove the box and using a pair tin snips, cut through the hanger bar. If the box is nailed to the joist, use a hammer and heavy duty screwdriver to break the box apart removing the pieces. Take care during electrical box removal that you do not damage any of the electrical wiring.

Step 4

Install an "old work" ceiling junction box. Use the template that was provided with your new ceiling junction box to verify that the hole in the ceiling is the correct size. If necessary, trace around the template and use a keyhole saw to cut the ceiling hole to the proper size. Pull the electrical wiring through the knockouts located in the back of the "old work" box and slide the box into the hole cut in the ceiling. An "old work" box has clamps or wings attached to the box by screws that when turned will hold the box into the ceiling. Use a screwdriver and turn the screws clamping the box into the ceiling.