Ran into a packed electrical box while updating my bedroom light fixture.

It's so full I can't fit the new bracket, and I'm looking for tips on how to proceed.

3 comments

3 Comments

Actually, saw a post on a forum somewhere saying a box that stuffed is a fire risk, not a badge of honor. Smushing wires like @the_john said can nick the insulation and cause a short. Best move is to turn off the power and see if you can get a slightly larger old-work box to swap in. If not, you might have to tie some wires together with a pigtail to free up space, which is a pain but safer.

the_john1mo ago

Honestly a packed box just means you're doing it right. I'd just force that bracket in there, who cares if the wires get a little smushed.

grayc271mo ago

John's "badge of honor" comment is great. Next he'll be telling us house fires are just free heating.