"blocking" for lights in garage with metal ceiling

[jeepnatv4life]

What is the best way to "block' for a light prior to mount my metal ceiling?

Just toe nail a 2x4 where I want the fixture to go? and run the wire to it is what Im imaging Just want the best way to do it.

 

[matt_i]

Assuming you are using the typical "round box" for ceiling, that's a good idea. There are plastic round boxes already equipped with metal "sliders" which expand to fit the gap between joists/trusses, you just open it until it contacts, then nail in place. My personal opinion is the wood blocking is stronger and nicer.

 

[Highbeam]

Are you going to surface mount a metal box for the fixture, just run wire through a small hole in the ceiling to lead into a tube fixture, or try and recess mount a box above the ceiling?

I mounted my fluorescent tube fixtures to the ceiling with no actual box, just staple the wire to the joist, drill a hole in the metal ceiling near it, grommet the hole, mount fixture.

I used a 2x6 block layed flat and toe nailed in to the joists above the metal to surface mount metal boxes which I then mounted my smoke alarms.

The only time I used a traditional ceiling light box was for my ceiling fan. That ceiling fan box, like a ceiling light box, mounts to the joists and you cut a hole in the metal for the box to slightly protrude into the space. No support is needed other than the joists.

Here's a picture of all three.

 

[Trihle98]

I made a cardboard template for the back side of the light fixture and drilled holes for mounting locations. I then used that template to mark and drill holes in the metal ceiling panels and used toggle bolts. It was a breeze and it allowed me to wire the fixtures with zero help from anyone. Good help is hard to find these days I tell ya.