Ceiling fan but joists are more than 24" apart
#1
05-03-09, 07:56 PM
Ceiling fan but joists are more than 24" apart
Not sure how to mount the outlet box to support the weight of the box. I don't have access from above, whatever I do is going to have to be done from the rough in it looks like. I didn't want to cutout the ceiling too much but it looks like I may have to.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
#2
05-03-09, 09:54 PM
There are expandable metal ceiling fan mounts which can be installed thru the rough opening. Check a big box store for them. once wedged against the joists and tightened, the rough in box can be attached to the brace.
#3
05-04-09, 05:38 AM
If the joists really are more than 24" apart you have very little option but to cut the ceiling and install some wood framing to support a fan rated box. The expansion rated braces only extend far enough to accomodate standard joist or truss spacing.
#4
05-04-09, 09:14 AM
Member
What exactly does "more than 24" mean? Does it mean 24.1? Or does it mean 1,245,632? Please tell us what the joist spacing is rather than what it isn't.
#5
05-04-09, 10:32 AM
They measure approximately 28" apart. The building is fairly old.
I was hoping I wouldn't have to cut too much, the ceilings are somewhat high too, a little over 9 feet.
I was hoping I wouldn't have to cut too much, the ceilings are somewhat high too, a little over 9 feet.
#6
05-04-09, 11:38 AM
Member
I'd screw some 2x4 shims against the joists on each side. Two on one side and one on the other would reduce the gap from 28 inches to 23.5 inches. Then you can use a fan brace kit.
If you're skillful/lucky, you might be able to install the shims by working exclusively through the round hole for the box. If your a bit less skillful/lucky, you may need to enlarge the hole a bit, in which case you can use a ceiling medallion to cover the larger hole.
Or, if you enlarge the hole to maybe 8" diameter, you'll have enough clearance to screw a 2x4 cross brace between the studs without the use of a fan brace kit. This too can be covered by a ceiling medallion.
If you're skillful/lucky, you might be able to install the shims by working exclusively through the round hole for the box. If your a bit less skillful/lucky, you may need to enlarge the hole a bit, in which case you can use a ceiling medallion to cover the larger hole.
Or, if you enlarge the hole to maybe 8" diameter, you'll have enough clearance to screw a 2x4 cross brace between the studs without the use of a fan brace kit. This too can be covered by a ceiling medallion.
#7
05-04-09, 12:22 PM
John, that's wonderful advice, thank you. Let me ask you, after looking at the placement issues, I realize the best spot for the fan/outlet may just be right under/or along a joist. So this may make things easier I hope.
The fan manual shows this as an option:
Would this be safe? Any recommendations on thickness of the piece I should add and what screws to use should I go this route?
The fan manual shows this as an option:
Would this be safe? Any recommendations on thickness of the piece I should add and what screws to use should I go this route?
#8
05-04-09, 01:11 PM
There are fan boxes made that can be installed under the joist. Here is one example. Fan & Fixture Mounting Box (deepest L-shaped)
#11
05-05-09, 07:45 PM
Does anyone know what those simple plates are called that are used to cover up electrical boxes on the ceiling, they're paintable too?
There's a light on the ceiling which I want to remove and the ceiling fan is going to be moved over to another spot on the ceiling.
There's a light on the ceiling which I want to remove and the ceiling fan is going to be moved over to another spot on the ceiling.
