Jul 23, 2025
4 mins read
4 mins read

Are Your Mounting Brackets for Outdoor Lights Secure Enough?

When was the last time you checked the stability of your mounting brackets for outdoor lights? If you're like most homeowners or contractors, it's not at the top of your to-do list. But here's the thing: loose, weak, or non-compliant mounting can lead to serious safety issues. We’re talking about more than just a wobbly light. It could mean electrical fires, falling fixtures, and even failed inspections.

That "Bar Box" Everyone's Using? It’s a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Let’s call it what it is, the standard bar box being sold today is flat-out dangerous. It should never have been approved by the Underwriters Laboratory. We’ve tested it, and the truth is undeniable: that thing should not be used in any 120-volt installation.

Here’s why:

  • It doesn’t show whether it’s attached to anything solid.
  • The rotating spindle method? Totally non-compliant with the NEC.
  • The instructions? Vague at best. Hazardous at worst.

When it comes to electrical boxes, the National Electrical Code is clear. Electrical boxes shall be fastened to the structure using attachments approved by the NEC. That means wood screws into a solid structure, not some mystery tension bar floating between drywall and joists.

Electricity Ain’t a Joke—This is Life or Death Stuff

A lot of DIYers and even some pros underestimate how dangerous poor ceiling and light fixture support can be. These are electrical installations. If you're installing a bracket for ceiling light fixture, or securing a ceiling light fixture box, you better do it right.

Because here’s the cold, hard truth: Electricity doesn’t care if it’s your first time or your thousandth. One mistake can burn your house down or worse.

Why is the EZ Brace Is the Only Real Solution?

We’re not here to sell fluff. We’re here to show you facts. The EZ Brace for ceiling fan is the only product that shall be used when installing ceiling paddle or blade fans. Why? Because it was designed specifically to protect DIYers from the dangers that traditional bar boxes ignore. It’s code-compliant. It’s strong. And it’s been tested by real people, in real scenarios. We’ve created three different EZ Brace models to cover just about every ceiling situation:

  • EZ 101: Perfect if your current plastic box for a light fixture is attached to a wood joist.
  • EZ 200: Needed when your ceiling box is hanging between two joists, and you’ve got attic access.
  • EZ 216 and EZ 224: Work beautifully when there’s no attic access, and you need a secure, reliable fix.

Check out our installation videos to match your current setup with the right brace. No guesswork. No cutting corners. Just solid, NEC-approved installs.

So, Are Your Mounting Brackets Really Secure?

If you're using anything other than a properly fastened, code-compliant support like the EZ Brace, the answer is no. Whether you're mounting outdoor lights, ceiling fans, or interior fixtures, don’t roll the dice with outdated, unsafe solutions. Brackets for ceiling fans and mounting brackets for outdoor lights need to hold up not just the weight but the responsibility. You're dealing with live current and heavy hardware. You wouldn’t trust duct tape to hold your roof up, so why trust a bar box to hold your lighting?

So before you hang another light, fan, or fixture, ask yourself: Is this secure enough to protect my home, my family, and my reputation?

Because when it comes to mounting support systems, it’s not about convenience, it’s about compliance, safety, and peace of mind.