Installing flush mount in suspended ceiling in basement

[PingSpike]

So I'm putting a drop ceiling in my basement. Because I'm doing the drop very tight to the joists there will not be room for one of those in ceiling fluorescent fixtures and I'm not sure I wanted one anyway.

I'd like to use something like this because its a little more home oriented and cheap like this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_283109-6184...br|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

I've looked up how to install lighting fixtures and it doesn't seem to complicated but I can't really find a guide for this. I find guides for installing recessed or fluorescent fixtures in suspended ceilings and guide for installing flush mount fixtures in traditional drywall but not flush mount to suspended ceilings.

I was thinking of cutting a hole in a ceiling panel/tile big enough for the junction box (like you do with drywall), installing the panel and then using a 1x8 board with any needed spacers attached directly to the joists above the panel as a mounting point for the junction box, making sure its flush with the panel. Once done the panel would not be removable but that is acceptable to me. Afterward I'd just install the lighting fixture to the junction box as indicated in instructions for regular ceilings. Is this the safe correct way to do this?

Here's a paint picture that might describe it better:
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/pingspike/light.png

 

[Lifted]

You left out the most important part.

 

[feralkid]

FYI:

Suspended or drop. Not the same.


If you mean suspended, electrical supply shops sell box hangers for this purpose. They are not expensive or hard to find.

Bracket snaps onto grid.

Box mounts on this with a widget (or is it a dooma-flatchy?) that lets you slide/lock it to any position.

Hang your grid, then install ceiling panel into space where you want the light. Cut hole in panel for electrical box, snap bracket onto grid centered over hole, install box to bracket, wire it up and you're done.

Heavy duty versions for ceiling fans are also available, but not so cheap.



Good luck on your project.



.

 

[iGas]

What is the height between floor and joist?
Building code: 7' height for living space (minimum), pending local jurisdiction.

Recess lighting can be install in between joist space, and there are bracket versions as well as non bracket versions.

 

[iGas]

Recessed fluorescent lights are available at your local hardware stores.

You can suspend your surface mount (flush mount) light from the floor or joist above, or get the below.

http://www.homedepot.com/CADDY/Suspend-It/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ5s8Z4k1/R-100670622/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/CADDY/Suspend-It/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ5s8Z4k1/R-202194171/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[PingSpike]

FYI:

Suspended or drop. Not the same.


If you mean suspended, electrical supply shops sell box hangers for this purpose. They are not expensive or hard to find.

Bracket snaps onto grid.

Box mounts on this with a widget (or is it a dooma-flatchy?) that lets you slide/lock it to any position.

Hang your grid, then install ceiling panel into space where you want the light. Cut hole in panel for electrical box, snap bracket onto grid centered over hole, install box to bracket, wire it up and you're done.

Heavy duty versions for ceiling fans are also available, but not so cheap.



Good luck on your project.



.

This seems like a decent solution, but won't this leave the wiring coming into the electrical box "loose". I got the impression when you do something like that (I saw an example using recessed lighting installed like this) that you use flexible metal conduit to connect to the box attached to the tile.

I didn't really want to install between the joists because I don't think I'd be able to get those lined up with the center of ceiling tiles very well.