Abstract:
The present invention relates to a junction box for a use with a recessed luminaire fixture frame wherein the junction box may be accessed from two opposed sides, eliminating the need to move the fixture to access and inspect the junction box.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to a recessed luminaire fixture. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a junction box for a use with a recessed luminaire fixture frame wherein the junction box may be accessed from two opposed sides eliminating the need to move the fixture to access and inspect a junction box. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recessed downlights have become increasingly popular in both commercial and residential construction due to their ability to meet a wide range of interior lighting requirements, as well as the aesthetically pleasing nature of the fixtures themselves. Typically, ceiling mounted recessed light fixtures comprise a frame or frame-in kit with hanger bars which extend between structural supports of the ceiling. For example, structural supports may be ceiling joists or suspended ceiling grid members. The fixture frame retains the fixture, reflector, reflector trim, lamp, ballast, junction box and other components in position above the ceiling and between the ceiling structural supports. Once installed between ceiling structural supports, ceiling material, such as dry wall or plaster board for example, is positioned over the fixture. A hole is cut in the ceiling material so that light output is available from above the ceiling level, hence the name recessed downlight. 
     Ceiling structural supports are spaced apart which allows positioning of the light fixtures there between. The fixture or frame-in kit may also have a junction box or housing disposed at one end. The recessed luminaire fixtures including the junction box generally define some shape or footprint. During installation of multiple fixtures, the light output apertures of these fixtures are aligned. However, during alignment of the output apertures, the junction box or housing is positioned on the frame so that the junction box may interfere with the ceiling structural supports of a certain center-to-center spacing dimension. This is undesirable and may even inhibit the frame-in kit from being positioned between the ceiling structural supports and/or being aligned with other recessed fixtures. 
     Additionally, with junction boxes positioned on an outside of the housing, the box may be positioned against various structures within the ceiling. For example, in commercial building and some residential structures, the space above the ceiling may comprise heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Additionally, the ceiling space may comprise electrical tray for runs of wire, or alternatively may comprise wiring conduit. Further, the ceiling space may comprise plumbing equipment as well as insulation. Thus, a junction box may abut or interfere with any of these in-ceiling structures. 
     When buildings are inspected by electrical inspectors, the inspections typically require access to the recessed fixture frame junction boxes. During installation of the recessed luminaires, the fixtures are typically positioned according to a specific lay-out which provides desirable lighting characteristics. In many installations however, the junction box is positioned closely to ceiling support structures. Typically the junction boxes are positioned in a substantially vertical orientation, meaning the doors are positioned in a substantially vertical plane in the closed position. When the vertically oriented junction box is positioned closely to the ceiling supports or other in-ceiling structure, the ceiling supports or other in-ceiling structure may interfere with opening of the junction box after wiring connections are made. Consequently, when an inspector requires inspection of a junction box which is positioned closely to a ceiling support structure, prior art fixtures and junction box housing must be moved from the preselected position proper for the desirable for spacing, presentation, and lighting characteristic. Similarly, above ceiling level and adjacent to the recessed fixture, HVAC and/or plumbing components also hinder opening of prior art junction boxes. 
     Additionally, at the time of many of these inspections, typically the insulation surrounding the fixture is already installed. With prior art recessed fixtures, insulation in the area of at least the junction box must be removed in order to access the junction box doors and inspect wiring connections. Removal of insulation is undesirable as it requires duplicative work by contractors. Similarly, the movement of the fixture from a selected location to access the junction box is also undesirable because not only is it duplicative, but the lights are precisely positioned for a preselected spacing and pattern. Movement from this position affects the lighting pattern as a whole. 
     Given the foregoing deficiencies, it should be appreciated that a recessed lighting fixture is needed which allows visible access to the junction box in tight quarters without requiring movement of the light fixture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A recessed fixture having a junction box positioned adjacent at least one ceiling support structure comprises a recessed luminaire fixture, the junction box mounted to the recessed luminaire frame, the junction box being horizontally oriented, the junction box having a first facing junction box door and a second junction box door, the first junction box door and the second junction box door being oppositely positioned and pivotally connected to a junction box housing, the first and second junction doors being in a substantially horizontal orientation in a closed position, one of the first junction box door and the second junction box door facing substantially upwardly and the other of the first junction box door and the second junction box door facing substantially downwardly, wherein the horizontal orientation allows the junction box doors to be positioned adjacent a ceiling structure without limiting opening of the junction box doors. The recessed fixture wherein the first junction box door has a first pivoting axis extending horizontally. The recessed fixture wherein the second junction box door has a second pivoting axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first pivoting axis. The recessed fixture wherein the junction box housing has a sidewall disposed between the first and second junction box doors and adjacent the at least one ceiling support structure. The recessed fixture wherein the sidewall disposed between the first and second junction box doors and adjacent the at least one ceiling support structure being a substantially vertical sidewall. The recessed fixture wherein the junction box doors are openable without requiring movement of the fixture relative to the at least one ceiling support structure. 
     A recessed fixture having a junction box comprises a recessed fixture having a light output aperture, the junction box mounted to the recessed fixture, a first access door pivotally mounted on the junction box in a first substantially horizontal plane, a second access door pivotally mounted to the junction box, the second access door positioned opposite the first access door in a second substantially horizontal plane, the first and second substantially horizontal planes being substantially parallel to a plane of the light output aperture, the junction box being positioned adjacent a ceiling support structure, the first access door and the second access door being openable when the junction box is positioned immediately adjacent the ceiling support structure and without moving the fixture frame. The recessed fixture wherein the first and second access doors are pivotable about a horizontal axis. The recessed fixture further comprising an access plate fastened to the junction box. The recessed fixture wherein the access plate provides access to the junction box internally from the fixture housing. The recessed fixture further comprises an electrical component mounted to the access plate. The recessed fixture further comprises a clip for retaining the first and second access doors in a closed position. The recessed fixture further comprises a plate covering an aperture between the junction box and a housing of the recessed fixture. The recessed fixture further comprises an electrical component connected to the plate. 
     A recessed fixture assembly having a junction box comprises the junction box extending from a sidewall of the recessed luminaire fixture, at least one opening disposed between the junction box and the recessed luminaire fixture, the opening allowing interior access to the junction box through the recessed luminaire fixture, a first pivoting door and a second pivoting door oppositely positioned on the junction box and horizontally oriented in the closed position, the junction box being horizontally oriented so that the junction box doors are accessible when the junction box is positioned adjacent a ceiling support member. The recessed fixture further comprises pivot apertures in vertically oriented junction box sidewalls. The recessed fixture wherein the recessed luminaire fixture is an enclosed fixture. The recessed fixture further comprising a plate covering the opening allowing interior access to the junction box. The recessed fixture further comprising an electrical component connected to the plate, the ballast positioned within an interior of the junction box. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fixture frame-in kit positioned between ceiling support structures in a first orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit of  FIG. 1  in an upside down orientation with the ceiling support structures removed and one junction box door open; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit of  FIG. 2  with a second junction box door open; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit of  FIG. 2  with both first and second doors in a partially opened position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the fixture frame-in kit of  FIG. 3  with the first and second door in a fully opened position; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of  FIG. 5  showing fixture positioned against an exemplary ceiling support structure; 
         FIG. 7  is a detail view of an exemplary connection between the fixture frame and the junction box; 
         FIG. 8  is a detail view of an exemplary hinge assembly for connecting the junction box doors to the junction box sidewall; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an internal wall of the junction box for separating the junction box from the interior of the fixture frame housing; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the internal wall of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the interior of the fixture frame housing viewing toward the interior plate of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the interior of the fixture frame housing with the inner door removed to show the interior of the junction with ballast removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1-12  various aspects of a recessed light fixture having a dual door junction box. The junction box doors allow for easy access without moving the fixture frame from a fixed position away from a ceiling support or any other in-ceiling structure during inspection of the wiring connections by an inspector. The junction box doors further allow access to the junction box without requiring movement of the insulation surrounding the fixture frame during inspection of the wiring connections by an inspector. Further, the junction box allows for internal access through the light output aperture once the fixture frame is enclosed by the ceiling material. The junction box allows access for any reason, for example if maintenance is required, and additionally allows access from above the fixture if the ceiling is a permanent non-movable type. In such construction, where the trim would normally have to be removed and the fixture moved, the instant junction box provides for access from above the fixture, for example from an attic. This eliminates the need for trim removal and movement of the fixture. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , the fixture frame-in kit  10  is shown positioned between a first support structure A and a second support structure B in an installed position. The support structures A, B are depicted as wooden joists. However, alternate structures are well within the scope of the present embodiment wherein such support structures may be defined by suspended ceiling grid members, support structures of alternate materials or alternate structural shapes or systems. While the present invention is generally described with respect to ceiling applications, the present fixture and junction box may also be utilized in walls in a sconce-like application and therefore should not be considered limited to ceiling applications. 
     The fixture  10  comprises a fixture housing  12 . In the depicted embodiment the housing  12  is generally square in shape having four sides,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and  12   d  as well as an upper surface  14  and a lower surface  16  ( FIG. 2 ) defining the housing  12 . It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the enclosed housing  12  is exemplary as alternatively a frame or pan may be utilized and the depicted embodiment of the housing  12  should not be limited to enclosed-type housings. For example, in the alternative a frame-arm type of assembly or a frame pan with or without a recessed can could be used. 
     Also, depicted in  FIG. 1  is a junction box or housing  50 . The junction box  50  provides an enclosure for wiring connections and/or an enclosure for electrical components such as, for example, a ballast used with fluorescent lighting, a transformer used with low voltage lighting or a power supply unit or driver used with LED lighting. These are merely exemplary structures and should not be considered limiting. Despite the exemplary housing  12  being substantially square in shape, the junction box  50 , in combination with the attached housing  12  form a generally rectangular envelope or footprint. The housing  50  is shown mounted to the side wall  12   a  of the fixture housing  12  and positioned adjacent support structure A. Alternatively however, the junction housing  50  could be positioned adjacent support structure B. In either event, the orientation of the fixture  10  is such that the junction housing  50  is adjacent one of the support structures A, B. Referring briefly to  FIG. 3 , the lower surface  16  of the housing  12  comprises an aperture  18  for light output. These apertures are typically aligned within a room or space to achieve desired layout/placement as well as aesthetically pleasing appearance from below the fixture. However, in aligning the multiple fixtures and providing proper spacing, the junction box  50  may interfere with the ceiling supports or other in-ceiling structure inhibiting proper alignment of multiple apertures  18  amongst multiple fixtures. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1  are first and second hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40 . Each of the hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40  comprises a first hanger bar channel  32 ,  42  and a slidable portion  34 ,  44  slidably positioned within the channel  32 ,  42 . The term channel should not be considered a limiting term as the first hanger bar portions  32 ,  42  may be defined by alternate structural shapes which will receive the second portions  34 ,  44 . Moreover, the hanger bar assemblies  30 , 40  alternatively may each be defined by one-piece hanger bars or bars of three or more pieces. At each end of the hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40  are feet  36 ,  46 . The feet  36 ,  46  allow the hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40  to be attached to the support structures A, B. In the embodiment depicted, the feet  36 ,  46  are fastened to the joist structures A, B. However, the hanger bars assemblies  30 ,  40  may be connected to suspended ceiling grid structures. At one end of the fixture  10 , the feet  36 ,  46  may include a pivot structure  33  so that the housing may pivot downward for ease of wiring prior to connection of the second end of the hanger bars  30 ,  40  to the opposite support structure. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40  are depicted along second and fourth sides  12   b ,  12   d . In this parallel orientation, the hanger bar assemblies  30 ,  40  extend substantially parallel to the longer dimension of the envelope generally defined by the housing  12  and the junction box  50 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, it is often desirable to maintain the light output aperture  18  ( FIG. 3 ) in its aligned position with one or more other fixtures when mounting light fixtures. However, due to the dimensions of the fixture  10  and the spacing of the supports A, B, the ballast or junction housing  50  may interfere with either of the support structures A, B, when attempting to position the light aperture  18  ( FIG. 3 ) there between. As a further alternative, the close proximity of the ballast or junction housing  50  to the support structures A, B, may inhibit access to the housing  50 . For purpose of this description, and with respect to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the junction box  50  is very close to the ceiling structure A. In prior art junction boxes, the box is generally in a vertical orientation, meaning the doors are positioned substantially vertically in the closed position. When positioned in this vertical orientation, the junction box door would typically open toward the support structure, thus interfering with the structural supports and inhibiting full opening of the junction box. However, in the present embodiment, the junction box  50  is oriented horizontally rather than vertically. Accordingly, the doors open upwardly and downwardly and do not interfere with the support structure A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the fixture  10  is depicted in perspective view wherein the fixture  10  is rotated to an upside-down position, so that lower surface  16  and the light aperture  18  are facing upwardly, which is opposite of a typical installation but helpful for description. The lower surface  16  of the housing  12  comprises an aperture  18  for light output. The junction box  50  is connected to a sidewall of the fixture housing  12 . As previously described, the fixture housing  12  has four sidewalls, an upper surface  14 , which is positioned on the lower side of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  due to the rotation of the fixture  10 , and a lower surface  16  wherein the light output aperture  18  is positioned. The fixture housing  12  should not be limited, however, to the specific embodiment depicted as various types of housings, frames, frame arms and pans may be utilized with the junction box  50 . The junction box has three sidewalls  52   a ,  52   b  and  52   c . As shown by viewing side  52   a , the longer dimension of the side is substantially horizontal, whereas in prior art junction boxes, such corresponding dimension of a junction box  50  is typically vertically oriented. A fourth side joining the sidewalls  52   a  and  52   c  will be described later. Along the upper and lower portions of the junction box  50  are first and second pivoting access doors  54 ,  56 . The first pivoting access door  54 , is a lower access door which is shown in the open position. When the first access door  54  is in the closed position, it is generally horizontal, hence the horizontal orientation of the junction box  50 , and substantially parallel to the lower surface  16 . The second pivoting access door  56  is shown in a closed position and is generally in a horizontal orientation and parallel to the upper surface  14 . The junction box  50  further comprises a spring clip  58  which locks the first pivoting access door  54  and second pivoting access door  56  in a closed position inhibiting unintentional opening of the doors until the spring clip  58  is bent to clear either of the first and second door  54 ,  56  to allow for opening. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the fixture frame  10  is again shown in an upside-down position with the light output aperture  18  facing upwardly, which is generally opposite to a standard installation. In this configuration, the lower surface  16  of the housing  12  is also facing upwardly and the upper surface  14  is generally facing downwardly. The junction box  50  is depicted with the second pivoting access door  56  facing downwardly and with the access door partially opened. The first pivoting access door  54  is in a closed position with an upper surface generally in a horizontal plane parallel to the lower surface  16 . The spring clip  58  is shown retaining the first pivoting access door  54  in the closed position. The spring clip  58  has shoulders defined near ends thereof which extend over the edge of the access doors  54 ,  56  to retain the doors in a closed position. The spring clip  58  also has gripped tabs  59  adjacent the shoulders so as to bend the clip  58  and clear the edge of the doors  54 ,  56  allowing opening of either or both doors. 
     Each of the first and second doors  54 ,  56  comprises a pivot assembly  60 ,  66  respectively. The first access door  54  has a corresponding first pivot assembly  60 . The pivot assembly includes an aperture  62  in the sidewalls  52   a ,  52   c  and a pivoting member  64  extending though the aperture  62  allowing pivoting within the sidewalls  52   a  and  52   c . Similarly, a second pivot assembly  66  allows pivoting motion of the second access door  56  and includes an aperture  68  in the sidewalls  52   a ,  52   c  and at least one pivoting member  69 . It should be understood that various pivoting assembly designs may be utilized and that the present description is merely exemplary. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , both of the first and second access doors  54 ,  56  are shown in a partially open position revealing a ballast  70 . One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the function of a ballast, and therefore the component will not be described further. Thus the access doors  54 , 56  may be opened or closed separately or together during installation or maintenance. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the junction box  50  is depicted in perspective view with the doors  54 ,  56  shown in the fully open position. In  FIG. 5 , the first and second pivot or hinge assemblies  60 ,  66  are clearly shown. Various alternative hinge assemblies may be utilized in order to allow pivoting motion between the first and second doors  54 ,  56  and the junction box sidewalls  52   a ,  52   c.    
     Also depicted in  FIG. 5  is a bracket  80 . The bracket  80  is fastened by wing nut or other fastener  82  within the housing  12 . The bracket  80  generally extends across the housing  50  from one side  12   c  to the opposite side  12   a , adjacent the ballast  70  ( FIG. 2 ), as will be described further herein. The bracket  80  functions to adjust the position of the lamp socket (not shown) within the fixture housing  12 . Specifically, when the housing  12  is mounted in the position shown in  FIG. 1 , the bracket  80  is slidable vertically within the housing  12  to adjust the position of the lamp (not shown) relative to the downlight aperture  18 . 
     Referring again briefly to  FIG. 6 , the doors  54 ,  56  are open and in the vertical orientation. When closed, the doors  54 ,  56  are substantially horizontally oriented. The horizontal orientation of the junction box  50  allows opening of the doors  54 ,  56  when positioned adjacent a ceiling support or other in ceiling structure. Also, after installation and during inspection, the upper side  14  and door  56  may be covered with insulation. However, the lower door  54  is openable without moving the fixture housing  12  away from the ceiling supports A,B ( FIG. 1 ). Therefore, the position and alignment of the aperture  18  is maintained with respect to the arrangement of light fixtures in a room without limiting access to the junction box  50  after installation of the fixture housing  12  between support members A, B. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective detailed view of sidewall  52   c  is depicted. The sidewall  52   c  has a foot  52   d  which is seated on the housing  12  and fastened thereto. The opposite sidewall  52   a  (not shown) also includes a foot  52   d  which is fastened to the housing  12 . Various structures or configurations may be used to connect the junction box  50  to the fixture  12 , as long as the connection is approved or meets electrical code regulations for junction boxes. In the exemplary embodiment, an upper rivet  20  connects the housing  12  and the foot  52   d . A lower fastener  22  extends though the foot  52   d , through the housing  12  and through a plate  72  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The plate  72  will be described further herein. 
       FIG. 7  also depicts the exemplary hinge assembly  60  wherein the member  64  extends through aperture  62  in the sidewall. The exemplary hinge assembly  66  operates in the same manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the exemplary hinge assembly  60  is depicted from the interior side of wall  52   c . A pivoting member  64  is mounted along an edge of the first door  54 . The aperture  62  is clearly shown in the sidewall  52   c  through which the member  64  passes. The pivoting member  64  is formed integrally with the door  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the junction box access plate  72  is depicted. The fixture  10  is enclosed upon installation of ceiling material, such as in a fixed ceiling system, so that the only access to the junction box  50  is through the aperture  18 . The access plate  72  allows access to the ballast  70  and junction box  50  from within the housing  12  after the ceiling is in place. The ballast  70  is connected to the access plate  72  for proper operation of the fixture  10 . As previously described, after the fixture  10  is installed and the ceiling material is positioned over the ceiling structures A, B ( FIG. 1 ) and hides the fixture  10 , the only access to the junction box  50  is through the light output aperture  18 . In order to replace or maintain a ballast  70 , or other electrical component, or to check wiring connections within the junction box  50 , a maintenance person may access the junction box  50  through the light output aperture  18  and remove the access plate  72  which allows removal of the ballast  70 . This assembly must be pulled through the fixture housing  12  and out through the aperture  18 . In order to remove the access plate  72 , a plate fastener, such as the exemplary fastener  74  which is connected to threaded fastener  22  ( FIG. 7 ) is loosened whereby the plate  72  may be removed. The plate  72  includes one aperture  76  which allows for seating of a head of fastener  20  ( FIG. 7 ) between plate  72  and housing sidewall  12   a  ( FIG. 1 ). Thus the aperture  76  functions as a relief and limits or inhibits bending of the plate  72 . The second aperture  78  includes allows for passage of fastener  22  there through. The exemplary wing-nut fastener  74  allows easy removal of the plate from the side wall  12   a . Alternatively, other types of fastening devices may be utilized. The figure also depicts a wireway  73  allowing passage of wiring from within the junction box  50  to the interior of the housing  12 . 
     Alternatively, the maintenance person may access the junction box  50  in a second manner. That is, if access to the fixture is available from above, such as through an attic, the maintenance person may open the upper junction box door to gain access to the wiring or electrical component therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the access plate  72  is shown in perspective view from the opposite side of  FIG. 9 . The plate  72  includes an embossment or cavity formed therein having first and second fastening apertures generally at  75  to which the ballast  70  may be connected. The ballast  70  includes first and second fasteners  79  extending through aperture  75 . The threaded fasteners are held in place by locking nuts  77 . Thus, when the fasteners  74  are accessed through the light output aperture  18  in the fixture housing  12 , the plate  72  may be removed with the ballast  70  through the aperture  18  for replacement or maintenance. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the housing  12  is shown with the lower surface  16  removed to show the bracket  80  positioned therein. The bracket  80 , as previously described, extends across the upper surface  14  of the housing  12 . The bracket  80  comprises a lamp socket  84  connected thereto to which a lamp (not shown) may be connected as well. As previously described, the bracket  80  provides some amount of adjustment for the socket  84 . The bracket  80  may also be loosened and removed when the plate fastener  74  is unfastened so as to remove plate  72 . Once the plate  72  is removed, the open side of the junction box  50  is accessible wherein a maintenance person may access wiring connections and/or replace a ballast on the plate  72  and reposition the plate  72  and ballast into the junction box  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the plate  72  is removed and the interior portion of the junction box  50  may be accessed. The locking nuts  77  are removed so that the plate  72  may be removed. When the plate  72  is removed, the ballast or other electrical component may also be removed. The junction box  50  is accessible through an aperture  12   e  in the fixture housing sidewall  12   a.    
     In operation, the lighting fixture  10  is connected between ceiling support members A, B and wiring connections may be made between a power supply and the ballast  70 , as well as the lamp socket  84 , if such is not performed during manufacture. Once these connections are made, and prior to, placement of the ceiling material, an inspector may choose to inspect the junction box contents  50  for proper wiring standards, transformer, ballast, LED driver or electrical work. Under normal circumstances, at this point in the construction process, the fixture  10  will be at least surrounded by insulation and may further be in contact with or nearly in contact with a ceiling support member A, B or HVAC ducting, or electrical trays or plumbing or other hidden structures generally located in a building ceiling area. However, in order for the inspector to inspect the interior connections of the junction box, and due to the horizontal orientation of the junction box  50 , the inspector need only open the downwardly facing access door  56  without disturbing the positioning of the fixture  10  relative to the ceiling supports and other existing light structures. Thus, the fixture pattern and alignment in the room is not disturbed once it is properly set. After inspection, the junction box access door  56  may be returned to a closed position and the ceiling material installed. After this installation, should an installer or maintenance person need access to the junction box  50 , the junction box  50  is accessed through the light output aperture  18  by loosening fasteners and removing the interior access plate  72 , or alternatively may access the junction box  50  through the upper junction box door if access through an attic or from above the fixture  10  is available. 
     The foregoing description of structures and methods has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.