Hi there Steve,
Welcome to ECN!. [Linked Image]
By the looks of the bracket on your German light fitting, there is no need for a box above the fitting.
That bracket, screws directly to a timber joist, using wood screws and then the top is attached by the set screws on each side.
Personally I'd use at least 3 screws and make sure that they go into substantial timber in the ceiling. [Linked Image]

Yes the connections are made in the top part of the fitting, as un-believable as that sounds.
What voltage is this fitting?.
Hope that this is of some help.

Mike :}



[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 02-04-2005).]