Hanging your own fluorescent light fixture is an easy to install fixture in just about any room with attic access. In this article I’ll show you how to hang a fluorescent light fixture from an existing circuit. It does not show how to run a new circuit. With that said, its time for a materials list.
You can buy a Fluorescent light kit from your local home improvement center or hardware store for around $10 to $20, depending on what’s on sale at the time. Most kits come with ballast and case, covers and design vary depending on what you like and how much you’re willing to spend. But most 4′ flouresect light kits are hung in the same way, so this article is relevant to most kits that you can buy from any store.
Begin by removing the light kit from the box. Read all the manufacturers’ directions before you begin to do any work and follow all specifications as required. Pull the kit out of the box and place it near the ceiling for a test fit. There are usually three holes you can run the existing electrical wires through; the left, right and center holes. Align these “knockouts” as they are known in the field, with the existing electric.
On each end of the fluorescent light fixture there are 1/4″ holes. Measure and mark the holes with a tap measure and a pencil or hold the fixture up to the ceiling with a friends help and mark the holes. Here’s a tip: Measure off of each wall both horizontally and vertically to find the true center for your light fixture, then mark the holes to ensure you have the fluorescent light fixture centered in the room.
Now that the holes have been laid out, its time to set up the drill with the ½ “drill bit. Drill up into the ceiling about 5/8″ to ¾”. Here’s a tip: Tape some electrical tape or duct tape 5/8″ to ¾” down the drill bits tip. This will show you how deep to go when you are drilling through the ceiling. Don’t go any deeper than ¾” into the ceiling; you don’t want to pierce any wires or other overhead utilities.
Now thread the two toggle bolts through the fluorescent light fixture. Attach the toggle nuts onto the bolts on the other side of the fluorescent light fixture facing so that the butterfly clamps point into the hole. Just imagine it as an arrow pointing into the hole. Screw it into place just a few turns to ensure it is stable. Don’t over tighten the toggle nut and bolt.
Now press the toggle nut into each hole until it opens up above the drywall and hangs. After you put the toggle nut into each hole, the light should hang by itself from the ceiling, and you can let go. Now take the standard screwdriver and screw each toggle bolt tight to the fluorescent light fixture and the ceiling. Here’s a tip: Pull down on the light fixture and toggle bolt as you turn the screwdriver. This helps to hold the nut tight to the ceiling as you press against it allowing it to turn and tighten up.
Once each toggle bolt is tight to the ceiling, pull the existing wires into the fluorescent fixture and wire it according to the instructions enclosed with the kit. Once it’s connected to the main circuit, turn on the switch to test your new fluorescent light.
