Installing New Lighting In Kitchen (Besa)

pitterpat

May be a dumb question but I figured I better check it out b/4 I do it.

I got this new pendant light, Besa Lighting, that has a oblong base. The light base (4" x 24-25") is supposed to be attached to the ceiling (has keyhole holes in the base), it doesn't have a base that can be attached to the plate that is there for the light installed now. The new base is going to be attached to the ceiling. Of course the joist do not run the way I want to install the light. Here's what I am thinking of doing and wondered if it would work:

1. Take out electrical box (rectangular box)
2. Put a 2 x 4 on each side of the current elec. box cut out about 8" long.
3. Screw up threw the ceiling drywall into the 2 x4's to attach the 2 x 4's to the drywall.
4. Then I can put the screws into the drywall, into the 2 x 4's that I put up .
5. Put a new remodel elec box in the ceiling.
6. Attach new light to the ceiling using the screws in the drywall thru the 2 x 4's.
7. The base of the light will cover the screws through the drywall to hold the 2 x 4's and the cover over the base will cover the screws into the base.

Will this work? I don't want to pull the ceiling down with this light. The Entire light is about 15# at most.

Is there another way to make this work w/o taking out the old box and putting 2 x 4's in the ceiling. I know that I could put anchors in the ceiling but I'm not sure they would be correct for a light hanging from the ceiling. Here's a link to what the base and what the light looks like:http://www.besalighting.com/multipoint_b-pendants.html
Thanks, Pat

__________________
Pat Harris
A HandyWOMAN Service, LLC
"Why call a handyman when you can call A HandyWOMAN?

Sparky Joe

Why do you see the need to change the old box? (probably sound condescending, but just trying to see what you are seeing), or is it just so you can put the boards in the ceiling?

Using 2x4's attached to the drywall will only give you problems. Instead of that I think using 4 or more 'toggle bolts' spaced evenly should work fine for a 15 pound light(though that is a pretty heavy fixture)

Oh and as I'm sure someone else will be along to tell you so shortly, questions like this should be posted in the DIY forum. You'll find the link in the tabs above.

bauler

Why don't you install a ceiling fan box. It will definitely hold the weight. They several different kinds, install between rafters, connect directly to the side of a rafter, or the one that can straddle a rafter. It sure would save you a lot of hassle framing. Good luck.

Now after I looked at the light at the link you posted, assume its the middle fixture. I agree with Sparky Joe, just use toggles and leave the box alone. You could just add blocking just to catch screws. Just one of those things you know is ok, or needs a little more support. Seat of the pants engineering.

mdshunk

15# isn't too much. Is there some reason why you won't consider attaching it to the existing box, along with some toggle bolts through the keyhole slots? This is how track lighting is normally installed.

pitterpat

The keyhole slots are too far apart to attach to the existing box. This is not a track light, the box that is there now is a 2 x 3 1/2 newwork box.

Changing out the box is to be able to put in the 2 x 4 blocking. I'm not a DIYer....see my signature. I've just never run across this in the work I do!

Ceiling fan box won't help, the keyhole slots are too far apart.

I could use toggle bolts....that's why I asked for other suggestions.
Thanks for the help, Pat

__________________
Pat Harris
A HandyWOMAN Service, LLC
"Why call a handyman when you can call A HandyWOMAN?

Sparky Joe

No one assumed this is a track light, and the box you explained is more commonly known as a "single gang box".

Use toggle bolts because I can't think of any other anchor that is rated for hanging things from the ceiling.

And remember, the more 'hangers' the better. Even if the fixture only has perhaps 2 holes (keyholes) to hang the fixture with, you can always, and probably should, drill more holes in the fixture to ensure a good hold to the ceiling.

acrwc10

How is the wire going to enter the fixture if you remove the box? does it have a hole in it for a connector? If it were me I would drill holes in the fixture mounting plate for the 8-32'' screws to line up with the box in the ceiling then add toggles to support the ends. This fixture doesn't look as heavy as you say I would guess more like 8 lbs unless it is bigger then it looks, 15 lbs is uncommon for a fixture. And a new work box is normally rated for much more weight 50lbs normally.What rate is a Handy person get ?

JPF

Pat....really...all you need are toggles, like the others said. Just be accurate with your measurements, and anchor to the existing box as well. More than enough support!!! Unless your thinking of hanging from it like Philo Beddow and Clyde!!!

mdshunk

Just thought I should point out that most "wall boxes" are only rated for fixture support up to 6 lbs. Most old work type ceiling boxes are not rated for fixture support at all.

A fixture that has widely spaced mounting holes (too wide to correspond to a box) is intended to be mounted independant of a box. Fluroescent strip lights and track lights are such examples.

Mike Finley

LOL!

Right turn Clyde!



Hey, I just want to be the 20th person to say the same thing..

Pat use some toggle bolts. If you really want to get it secure, use some toggle screws!

Sparky Joe

I apologize about the DIY comment Pat, I didn't bother to read your signature nor anything else about you. As you can see from other posts, I am lazy.

Once again I'm sorry, and just use some toggle bolts