Previously, I asked another question regarding this ceiling fixture. I wanted some advice on how to go about attaching a fixture with more than one bulb and whether or not the insulation in the old one was possibly asbestos.
Those questions were answered satisfactorily, but Harper commented: "This looks like a common 4” (trade size) pancake box but might be the dreaded 3-1/2". In reality, mine seems to be closer to 3-1/4". Not even 3-1/2"...
Why is the 3-1/2" size pancake box "dreaded"? And if mine is even smaller should I dread it more? Will it affect my ability to find a new fixture?
For reference, the screw holes that the old fixture screwed into are 2-3/4" apart which seems a little more standard.
In my photos, the box looks like it's 3", but it's just the angle. It's really about 3-1/4".