Mounting a Pot Rack With Lights: How To

 I recently bought a pot-rack w/lights that mounts from the ceiling. The pot rack I bought has instructions for assembly. The instructions explain how each part goes together, however, the directions do not explain how to physically mount the pot-rack to the ceiling, or specifically recommend a junction box that can handle the load of the pot-rack. I researched the Internet and other resources to find a mounting procedure. I found a few procedures that suggest using an existing ceiling fan junction box. But a pot-rack weighs significantly more than a fan, and I was concerned that the junction box for the fan would not hold a pot-rack. I asked the salesman at the store from where I bought the pot rack how to mount the pot-rack to the ceiling; he told me he wasn't sure. I asked several electrical contractors about what they would do; one electrical contractor was very helpful and gave the help I needed. He suggested I use a special mounting bracket that has an adjustable rod that fits between two joists. The rod has threads in it so when the rod is turned it will expand or contract to fit between joists 16 to 24 in apart. As the rod expands, claws on the ends of the bracket grab on the joists. The mounting unit is available at home improvement stores and it located in the fan section.

I found several models of this type. Some looked stronger than others. The prices ranged from 10 -20 dollars. The important thing to look for is the weight capacity of the mounting bracket. The average weight of a hanging pot-rack is about 34- 80 pounds. Check the manufacturer for the actual weight of your pot rack. Remember that here will be additional weight from the pots and the forces that are applied when the pots are being hung. Usually the box that the pot-rack came in will not show the weight. My pot rack weighed 35.7 pounds; the rating on the mounting bracket was 120 pounds with a ceiling joist of 16 inches.

Locating where to hang the pot rack: Place the pot-rack center over the center of the area of where it will hang. Place some masking tape on the counter where the center of the pot-rack is to hang, and make a mark on the tape respectively. Use a plumb bob to find the spot on the ceiling that lines up with the mark on the counter. This point on the ceiling will be the center the junction box.

Making the hole in the ceiling: Prior to making a hole for the mounting bracket, verify that the joists are in a position such that it would not interfere with center position of the pot rack and the bracket. Otherwise the center point will need to be moved to another location. Find an acceptable location, cut a 4 inch diameter hole in the ceiling using the marked point on the ceiling as the center point.

Locate the joists: An easy way to locate the joists is to use a magnetic stud finder. A stud finder locates nails that are used to mount the wall board to the joists. There are elaborate stud finder instruments. However, the stud finder I use has a magnet in it that moves when it passes over a nail; the magnet has an arrow indicator to identify when the magnet is directly over the nail. I paid $1.50 for it. Locate several nails and make a small grid on the ceiling. This way you will have perpendicular locations for the joists. The grid should show 16" between joists. If you have an attic, you can make a small hole in the center of your circle, go up in the attic and look for light shining through the hole.

Before cutting: Remember to turn off the circuit that powers the fan. Verify that a voltage is not present on the circuit using a volt meter, voltage tester, or other device. Before you cut a hole in the ceiling, check to see if there are other circuits in the ceiling that are not part of the ceiling fan circuit. To verify this, you may need to go up in the attic to see what is physically there. If you find other circuits in the cutting path, check for voltage and turn off appropriate breakers. Be sure not to cut or nick the circuits when cutting the hole.

Removing the ceiling fan and locating the pot-rack in another location: (turn off circuit breakers and verify power if off). Remove the ceiling fan and use the power wires to power the lights on the Pot rack (optional). Install the mounting bracket and attach the junction box through the ceiling wall boards (follow the directions on the package). Snake the power wire from the fan over to the mounting bracket. Connect the wires to the pot-rack lights using wire nuts; be sure to use the appropriate grounding points. Turn power back on to the circuit. Test that the lights on the pot-rack are working using the switch that will turn them off and on. Turn power of to the circuit and attach the pot-rack to the junction box and mounting bracket (see note). Finish assembling the pot-rack by fastening the junction box assembly. Turn the power back on.

Note: I made a modification to the junction box that I used. I was concerned that the cross bar in the junction box was not strong enough to hold the pot rack so I replaced it with a stronger one. (Optional) I also put a safety chain around the mounting bracket. The chain is bolted to the joists. The chain is not required, but it gave me some added security just in case the mounting bracket did not hold.

Be sure to follow all local and federal electrical codes. If you are not sure, I suggest using a licensed electrical contractor.