I'm a complete amateur, so please bare with me.
I have a pendant ceiling light that requires a hook.
I'm guessing that simply screwing a hook into the ceiling is a bad idea (electricity and all that). I'm also guessing that if I purchase a wire detector it isn't going to be too much use, as there is bound to be wires all over the place.
When travelling to Sweden I noticed that all the lights had pre-fitted hooks, so I'm wondering if there is a safer way for me to fit the hook or something particular I should purchase.
Either that or I'm thinking way to much into it…. but I'm trying to be safe as I don't fancy an electric shock!
EDIT:
Here is a link to the light http://www.philips.co.uk/c/choose-your-luminaire/ecomoods-402353116/prd/
Best Answer
Normally, the junction box for a ceiling light fixture is attached to the ceiling joists in such a way as to distribute the load of the light on those joists instead of on the drywall. The normal way is to hang a 2x4 between two joists, suspended a couple inches above the bottom of the joists, and attach the J-box to that so it'll be flush with the drywall. Such a structure can support hundreds of pounds, even if the j-box itself won't.
Under about 30 pounds, which includes most modern round lights, small hanging lights and ceiling fans, you should be able to mount directly to the J-box; it will have threaded holes for a machine screw. Over that, most kits will include a threaded J-hook that is designed to screw into the wood strut above the J-box; these can support up to a couple hundred pounds, and the J-box then only supports the weight of a crown cover to conceal the mount and wires.
Be wary; there are "old work" ceiling J-boxes designed to be inserted into the ceiling and have their load distributed by the drywall. These will only take about 5-6 pounds (your average round light), but nothing more. Hanging a ceiling fan or heavy hanging light directly from a J-box is a sure-fire way to end up needing to re-drywall your ceiling (after putting in a proper J-box of course).