My kitchen has 1 fluorescent ceiling fixture and I want to replace it with 2 chandeliers. How do I add the 2nd box for the new light? ( it's 3 feet away from the existing box)

After removing the fluorescent light, there may or may not be a ceiling outlet box. Chandliers can be a bit heavy, so plastic old work boxes may not be able to support the fixtures. So both boxes may need to be the type that can support heavy fixtures. There are 4 " round boxes with spreading bars that can be inserted into a 4 " round hole and the bars are spread open so that spurs dig into the wood joists.

If the ceiling outlet openings fall on or next to a joist, there are other types of outlet boxes that can attach directly to the side or bottom of a joist.

Then a snake (fish tape) can be passed into the ceiling in the direction that the other light needs to go to determine if the wood joists run parallel or across the path the cable needs to run. If the joists are parallel, then after cutting the new outlet hole, just pass the cable through from one outlet to another.

If the joists are across, most likely there is only one joist in the way, the most two,assuming 16 " on center construction. A long 1/2" or 5/5" wood drill bit will need to be inserted into one or each ceiling opening to drill through the joist(s).


Run the cable, install the new boxes, and connect the fiixtures.

Simple, right?

If something does not make sense, get back with your specific questions.