You need to install an electrical box in the ceiling before you can hang a light.
You need an electrical box in the ceiling before you can hang a light. The primary purpose of the box is to enclose the spliced wires that connect the light to the circuit in a fireproof container, as required by the electrical code. A secondary purpose for the box is to support the light, because drywall won't support much weight. If the light isn't heavy, you can attach a "remodeling" box directly to the drywall of the ceiling, but if the light weighs more than five pounds, you should securely fasten a "rough-in box" to a rafter or two.
Instructions
Remodeling Box
1. A remodeling box or "old-work box" is often used when new circuits are added to an existing house. The original wiring was done before the walls and ceiling were covered, and the boxes were firmly attached to studs or rafters. In remodeling projects, attaching new boxes to studs or rafters would require making big holes in the drywall. Remodeling boxes are designed to attach to the drywall itself, without the support of a wall stud or ceiling rafter.
Draw the outline of the back of a remodeling box with a pencil on the ceiling at the planned location of the light. Ceiling electrical boxes are round, unlike those used for outlets or switches.
2. Cut out the outline with a drywall saw. Poke the tip of the saw through the line until it emerges from the other side, and saw along the line with gentle strokes to make a hole.
3. Run a length of electrical cable from the switch that will control the light to the hole you just cut. Staple it to the rafters along its path, using wire staples. Feed the end of the cable through the hole and into the back of the electrical box. Pull through about 6 inches, then tighten the clamp on the box with a screwdriver to hold the cable secure. Some boxes have self-clamping holes that you don't need to tighten.
4. Insert the box into the hole, and hold it in place while you rotate the heads of the screws on the front of the box to engage the hooks on the other ends of the screws with the back of the drywall. When the hooks are engaged, the box should stay in place when you release it.
5. Pull down on the box with a light force to keep the hooks engaged with the drywall while you tighten the screws to clamp it firmly in place.
Rough-In Box
6. The original house wiring and boxes were "roughed in" before the walls were finished, and the boxes were attached to wall studs or rafters. To install a rough-in box in an existing ceiling, place the front of the box against the ceiling at the planned location of the light, and draw the outline with a pencil. If possible, place the box next to a rafter to which you can attach it. If you must place the light between two rafters, use an electrical box with adjustable straps so you can attach the box to both rafters.
7. Cut out the outline with a drywall saw.
8. Go into the attic and insert the front of the box into the hole, so that the front edge is flush with the ceiling. If the box is next to a rafter, screw it to the rafter with 1 1/2-inch wood screws or drywall screws.
9. Pull out the straps until they reach the rafters on either side of the box, if it is located between studs. Screw the ends of the straps to the rafters with 1 1/2-inch screws.
10. Feed the electrical wire into the back of the box after it is secure, and tighten the clamp with a screwdriver to hold it.
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