How to Install Electrical Box for Ceiling Light Fixture

I’m going to show you how to install an electrical box in the ceiling so that you can install a new light fixture securely. You'll find that fluorescent light fixtures are sometimes installed directly on the drywall without an electrical box.

Products I used:
The borescope I bought: https://amzn.to/3QvSiwq (doesn't seem to be available now)
So, other highly rated borescopes selling for UNDER $40:
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electrical box I bought: https://amzn.to/3GZ6v1C
Other recommended electrical box: https://amzn.to/3ipQKaV

One option is to install an old work electrical box, which is cheap and easy to install. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to install one, but I’ve been told that they can only safely support fixtures that are about 6 lbs or less.

So, I decided to install a ceiling box that comes attached to a brace and can support much heavier light fixtures, including a ceiling fan. While there are several types of electrical boxes attached to a brace, I selected one that doesn’t require you to nail the brace into the joists. That was critical because I didn't have access from the top of the ceiling, such as as from an attic above. I got the kind that allows you to rotate and extend the length of the brace, sort of like the way you would turn and extend a shower rod.

Use a borescope to see what's above the ceiling drywall, where the wires are, and where the joists are, so that you can determine which direction you need to install the brace.
Separate the box from the brace by taking off a couple of screws and a couple of nuts (this will vary depending on the type of ceiling box brace you buy).
The box will be attached to the brace via a bracket.
Take off the screws attaching the box to the bracket, then just pull the bracket off the brace.

Trace a circle slightly larger than the size of the electrical box.
Cut out a hole in the ceiling using a drywall saw.

Put the brace into the ceiling through the hole.
Situate the brace properly on top of the drywall.
Rotate or turn the brace to extend it so the ends of the brace push up against the 2x4’s or joists in the ceiling, which can be up to 24 inches.
Borescope can help view and adjust the position of the brace so that it makes good contact with the wood.

Punch out the holes that the wires will be coming out from. You actually need just one hole but I punched out two, so that I have more options.
Now, attach the box to the brace:
Push the bracket back on the brace.
Align the electrical box so that the 2 screws on the bracket come through the holes in the box.
Then I can either put the 2 nuts back on these screws or put the other 2 screws back on.

How to install electrical box for heavy light fixture
How to install electrical box for ceiling fan
FULL DISCLOSURE and DISCLAIMER: The links above are affiliate links, which means that I could earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Also, because sellers can run out of inventory or change prices at their whim, I cannot guarantee the availability of the item or that the price will remain the same.