A bar hanger assembly is provided for supporting a recessed electrical device in a ceiling support. The bar hanger includes first and second telescoping support arms that are slidably connected together for adjusting the length of the bar hanger. The support arms having an elongated body with first and second ends and a mounting plate coupled to the first end. The mounting plate is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body. An attachment member is coupled to a bottom edge of the mounting plate for attaching to the bottom edge of a ceiling joist. The attachment member includes a detent extending from one side thereof. The attachment member can be bent from a first position perpendicular to the mounting plate to a second position parallel to the mounting plate for attaching to a T-bar support.