So now that we have power in the cabin from an outside generator wired into the panel box, we want to put up a fan that will circulate the air. Here is a pic of what we have to work with. I can't use a typical fan box between joist. I plan to replace this plastic box with a metal one and hang the fan with an extension pole of maybe 36" from that . But I need something that will be strong enough or fastened to the beam well enough not to come loose.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/vqW0cFt.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/>

I was thinking this will do the job. I'll screw it to the beam.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/7zg3caD.jpg" width="1000" height="1000"/>

Do you think it will handle a 44 to 54 inch fan with a light? Or should I screw the box directly to the underside of the beam, then mount the fan?

If not, any suggestions?

 

You need something fan rated. Here is an example that might work for you.

 

Norm...... that nail-on metal box is only rated for a static load like a light. Joed is showing one box that will work. You could also use a smart box that mounts to the side of the joist. The saddle box is the strongest of the choices as the fan bracket is lag bolted into the joist.

 

Yes, yes, that is what I need. Thanks.

What is the proper name for this type of box (beam hugging?). Me thinks I may have to send for it as opposed to finding it at the HD or Lowes.

edit...Pete thanks for the proper name.

 

$5.71 at home depot. It's called a saddle box.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1...B-16/207205361

 

Never had a need for one in the past so I never noticed them before. Thanks guys.

 

This is more of a info question as opposed to a request for advice. Our choice of fan will be mainly based on a rustic look as opposed to performance. But obviously the more blades the more CFM that is moved. So a 3 blade fan can move approximately 1/2 of a 5 blade and a 4 blade about 2/3's. This is based on a quick comparison of specs from fans from any bog box store.

Question is there any type of formula or rule of thumb to use when choosing a number of blades or picking the CFM appropriate for a room. In this case we have a vaulted ceiling and want to move lots of air down from the high area, so a high CFM seems natural.

Again looks will be the determining factor but fan height from the mounting point may play a roll also. And I need to keep in mind we want a light kit. So height will be depended on how much light we want spread across the room. I'm going to keep the LED tube light in place and that will be used for high contrast when work needs to be done. But the lighting from the fan will be a warm color and meant for ambiance, but needs to light up the whole area.

Looking forward to your comments and opinions.

 

Number of blades is not the only factor. Size of the blades also determines CFM. Speed does also.

 

This was installed at the peak of a 2 story cathedral ceiling in my vacation home in 1985 by the contractor that installed the ceiling (before wireless remote controls were available.) I run it at medium speed blowing down in all seasons. In the summer it provides a gentle breeze at the first floor level. In winter it moves the heat downward. (There is a wood stove below it.) I have a 3-way switches for on-off control at the first and second floor levels. If I want to change the speed I use the string (fishing line for strength attached to pull chain) that is visible on the right side in the top picture; on the left side passing by the chimney in the bottom one. If it is very hot in summer I will run it at high speed for greater breeze. I installed a toggle switch in place of the original slide switch to change the fan direction. If I want to do that, I can use a long stick from the second floor balcony to reach it.


BTW your beam looks thicker than a normal 2X4 so a saddle box may not work unless you can find one with a bigger opening. An eye bolt into the beam through the center knockout of a standard box could be used to support the fan.

 

Love the "remote control" system.

They make another box very similar to the saddle box shown but mounts on one side of the joist.

Saddle box

 

I also would get a remote fan unless you are going to run another line up there so to can control the fan speed and the light brightness separately. Having the direction on the remote is nice but you will probably only change it in the fall and the spring. I had a short chain and a ring on the end of a long 1X2 to do this.

Unless it is just a guys place. I do not know of many women who like a bunch of chains hanging down.
On that note I think your 4 foot shop light under the fan will not last long as it will look like crap!!!!

The only concern I have is that many generators give pretty dirty power and remotes/electronics like nice clean power. Hopefully someone with experience in this will chime in.

 

Pete,
That may be the one I need.

Most defiantly will need to use a remote.

Manden
Hopefully the power will be clean enough to handled it.

 

If you pay for me to come up..... I can be your fan.

 

Your arms could never keep waving that long!

 

Well it's been months and I finally got time to go to the cabin and work on that fan. I was having doubts and jitters about how to secure a ladder to do this. Finally came up with a solution. I was able to block the base of the ladder to the floor and I tied off the ladder at the cross beam joist. This gave me the confidence to climb to the top to remove the old box and install the new fan rated box that PJ and others suggested.

The height is about 25 feet or so and the two joist that span the main cabin are about 20 feet also. When I got up there I noticed the joist are sistered to each other. You can't see from below. It looks like three beams across the whole room. But from above it's hollow in the middle section.

The actual fan install will need to wait another day since my son was the only one with me, and he is unable to help in the capacity to climb and hold things in the air. But hey I feel as though I accomplished a lot.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/v0gFtQi.jpg" width="3264" height="1836"/>

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/jlUTqC5.jpg" width="1836" height="3264"/>