How to Relocate Fixtures
If fixtures are laid in suspended ceilings, it may be fairly easy to move the fixtures, but the available positions are limited by the dimensions of the ceiling grid. The lateral grid bars can be moved in small increments. This results in odd-sized ceiling tiles between fixtures, which may present a strange appearance.
Expect interference from ductwork, sprinkler piping, etc., above the ceiling. See Figure 1. If there is sufficient space above the ceiling, it may be worth elevating these obstructions to allow fixtures to be moved.
Surface-mounted fixtures need more effort and cost to relocate because new mounting boxes need to be installed. If appearance is not a prohibitive factor, surface wiring may reduce this cost. Touch-up work is needed where the fixtures were previously located.
If the fixture is not symmetrical, its orientation matters as well as its lateral location. See Reference Note 57, Light Distribution Pattern of Fixtures, about this. Figure 2 shows a typical example of long, thin fixtures that should be turned 90 degrees to provide better light distribution.