Walls and Ceilings - avoiding wires in the ceiling

I am trying to install a ceiling mounted pot rack, but when I run the stud finder over the ceiling, it indicates there is all sorts of electrical wiring going on. I am looking for suggestions as to how I can find the ceiling joists without drilling into wiring. thanks!

Welcome to the forums! Go away from the area you are working in and find a ceiling joist. Measure 16" however many times it takes you to get where you need to be. That is if your ceiling is on 16 centers.

alright, this may seem like an ignorant question...do the ceiling joists generally run the length of the house or the width?

alright, this may seem like an ignorant question...do the ceiling joists generally run the length of the house or the width?

Ceiling joists usually run the "shortest distance" from its support points. Lets say your house is 120 ft long by 40 ft deep. Between the 40 feet distance, there's probably an inner support wall. For example, main hallway wall or in the basement, a center support wall. Thus, allowing 20 feet 2x10s (as an example) between these 3 contact points. Its center wall is a support wall (that allow the 2x10s to either butt or overlap 6").

Here's the kicker.... Some homes install 1x4 strapping between the underside of these 2x10s and its ceiling drywall. If using a Stud Finder, your tool is sensing where the 1x4 drywall strapping is - NOT where its 2x10 are. Some homes use opposite direction 1x4 strapping and some homes don't. It depends on one's region and when the house was built (based on building code of its built year). For a picture of 2x10s and drywall strapping 1x4 boards, surf: http://img2.timeinc.net/toh/i/steps/hanging-drywall-1l.jpg

Hope this helps...

.

Does your house have radiant ceiling heat? If so, the sensor may be detecting the heating cables. You must avoid hitting any heating cables. If you have them, they will be imbedded between two layers of ceiling drywall.