How to Move a Ceiling Light in Plaster

Moving a ceiling fixture can bring light to where it's needed most.

Moving a ceiling light in plaster isn't much different from moving a ceiling light located in drywall. The difference is in the tools used: a drywall saw is used to cut holes in drywall and a keyhole saw is used to cut holes in plaster. You do have to be a little more careful when cutting the hole in plaster for the new fixture to make sure you don't crack the plaster around the new light.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Remodeling electrical box
• Pencil
• Keyhole saw
• Electrical wire
• Wire caps
• Wire strippers
• Fish tape

Instructions

1. Turn the power to the light circuit off and then remove the old light fixture.

2. Cut a hole in the ceiling with the keyhole saw at the light's new location. Use the remodeling box as a template for the size of the hole.

3. Run electrical wire from the old location to the new one. Connect the wires from the existing wire and the new wire together in the old box with wire caps. The old box will function as a junction box.

4. Screw the cover onto the junction box.

5. Install the new box. Run the wires through the gap in the back of the box and then push the box into the ceiling. Screw the flaps at the edges of the box to secure the box to the ceiling.

6. Install the ceiling fixture.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are running the wire through a ceiling that is inaccessible from above, use fish tape to thread the wire through the ceiling.

• Check the location of the rafters before you decide on a new location for the light. If there is a rafter in the way and you have to fish the electrical wire through, it will be difficult -- if not impossible -- to thread past the rafter.

• Remodeling boxes should only be used for lightweight ceiling fixtures. If you have a heavier fixture, you will need to nail a box to a rafter, which will necessitate a larger hole and a plaster repair job once you are finished.

• If your plaster is adhered to metal lath, proceed with caution. Too much pressure on the metal strips can cause them to bend, cracking the ceiling.

• Check your local building codes before starting work. Local codes may prohibit installation of junction boxes or lights in certain locations.

References

• Popular Mechanics Home Wiring, Albert Jackson, David Day (p.47)
• Hardware Store: Installing a Ceiling Outlet Box