How To Remove Metal Wall Light Box

Use pliers to twist the locknut on the end cap counterclockwise until it pops off.

How to remove metal wall light box.

This video shows how to replace a metal back box in a solid brick wall. It could be a ceiling medallion a shelf unit a. Ceiling light boxes are mounted in a variety of ways. Metal boxes must be grounded.

Initial installation of a ceiling light box happens during construction and prior to hanging the drywall on the ceiling. Check the ends of the fixture for metal components holding it in place. If you ve got an old light fixture in an area where you don t need a light and you don t want anything there you ll have to cap off the circuit. Hold the fixture s cover in place then attempt to slide the cap or tab off with your free hand.

If you no longer use a light switch you can remove it from the wall along with the underlying switch box. The process only requires basic tools to perform but you must use care when working with electricity. Create or purchase a wooden or metal wall or ceiling feature. Depending on where the light was installed the box could be on the ceiling joists to the side of the ceiling joists or between the joists.

The washers prevent the locknut from biting into the side of the metal box around the the knock out opening. It should be large enough to cover the box and extend to the position of the fixture. A switch box is a hollow metal frame that sits inside the wall behind a light switch and holds the switch s electrical wiring. If the drywall or plaster is damaged cut a larger hole and install a box that attaches directly to a stud or joist.

However they are only as strong as the wall surface to which they are clamped. This means sealing off the wiring in the electrical box to which the fixture was attached so the wires are still live but aren t powering anything and aren t a danger. Remove the cap or tab on the light if your fixture has it. The wires that were feeding the receptacle are.

For a ceiling fan or a heavy light fixture buy a fixture box that attaches to a fan rated brace. Select boxes that meet local codes. So a ground conductor will be required at least to be extended into a box to re establish ground continuity to the box and in the case of a circuit leaving a grounded box via knock out with reducing washers.