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lvailas

Moved a ceiling light; stuck with junction box cover

11 years ago
Friends, I moved my Nelson bubble pendant so it would be centered over my new live edge walnut table, and to my horror the wire was not long enough, so the electrician had to leave the original junction box with the cover.

This will have to be dealt with. Either I find a long ceiling plate that could cover both holes (it would need to be about 6 by 24 inches) and I could position the light in the center, or I could position 3 or more pendant lights above the table and get rid of the Nelson light.

You may have other ideas as well and I would love to hear them. The table is 84 by 42.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. The junction box cover and the light cover have about 14 inches of ceiling between them.

Thank you very much!

Comments (22)

  • 11 years ago

    Is your ceiling sheetrock? Because if it is an expert drywaller could cut a hole the size of the junction box and mud around it so you'd never know it was there.

  • 11 years ago

    Hi Charlee, That's what I had hoped to do, but it is against code to do that. The box must remain accessible. Thank you!

  • 11 years ago

    Bummer! If your lamp had a chain around the cord you could swag it over to the junction box. Perhaps install a recessed light and aim it toward the art on the walls? Other than that I hope someone else can help you 'cause I cannot!

    lvailas thanked charleee
  • 11 years ago

    I totally agree with Depo....!

  • 11 years ago

    I would be focused on the corn....:)

    lvailas thanked grapefruit1_ar
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I am very confused why you would not be able to just have a drywall guy come out and patch the hole? My thought is that the electrician did not do the next logical step and call one for you.

    lvailas thanked InterMix Interiors
  • 11 years ago

    Thanks...it is tempting, but against code to drywall over a live junction box. Wish I could. I have a drywall guy coming here on Monday for some other work, even.

  • 11 years ago

    InterMix, as a designer you should be more aware of correct codes for electrical. You are not supposed to cover a junction box except as the electrician has already done. Ivailas, no one will even notice that cover. I love your choices for art.

  • 11 years ago

    The electrician was right not to bury the box. However, I would think he would be able to replace the short wire with a longer one. Probably not inexpensive, and maybe not worth it, but you can ask.

  • 11 years ago

    Thank you, emilyam819...He can do it, but he would need to cut into a wall. In the end, that is probably the best solution. He said it would be about a half day of work. I am going to relax a bit and maybe I will be ok with the cover.

  • 11 years ago

    He should be able to drywall a patch well enough so that you would never know. If you have some leftover wall paint, go for it, if it's not too expensive.

  • 11 years ago

    Nice table. Hate the chairs. Remind me of SAT tests in school.

  • 11 years ago
    I'm sure the junction box can be sealed and push back through the hole like blue fixture in pic, then hole patched. Get a second. Opinion
  • 11 years ago
    You could add another canned light on the other side of the pendant, centering them.
  • 11 years ago
    Gorgeous room. Fabulous art.
    Obviously would be better if you could fix this little problem, but it doesn't really detract from your beautiful space!
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I agree that no one will notice the cover and that you will get used to it. But ... you might be able to cover the area with a medallion. Click on each photo to enlarge and see the medallions:

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  • 11 years ago

    I just want to add that if you cut into your drywall, don't have an electrician do the repair. Hire a drywall expert. It really is an art and worth the expense.

  • 11 years ago

    How about putting a large medallion over the area and that way it will still be accessible;)

  • 11 years ago


    Elk Lighting Brittany, 19" Medallion · More Info

  • 11 years ago

    size to fit of course;)

  • 5 years ago

    Any chance you can tell me what the electrician charged you to do this work? Thanks.

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