Will this box hold ceiling fan?
#1
07-23-20, 08:21 AM
Will this box hold ceiling fan?
I am installing a ceiling fan and am not sure if this box will hold it.
<img src="https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/acd5b8cc_1eb6_4f6b_bdeb_9cdc5dd63b4a_7c10a031dbea020cee6fa47cce50af288e14f71b.jpeg" width="1128" height="1504"/>
<img src="https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/acd5b8cc_1eb6_4f6b_bdeb_9cdc5dd63b4a_7c10a031dbea020cee6fa47cce50af288e14f71b.jpeg" width="1128" height="1504"/>
Top Answer
07-24-20, 06:25 PM
I'm speaking from experience doug... been there done it at least 2 dozen times without going in the attic, or creating any additional holes.
Here's one example doug....(you're welcome!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKWeyydoYTI
Here's one example doug....(you're welcome!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKWeyydoYTI
Last edited by Gen; 07-24-20 at 07:29 PM.
#2
07-23-20, 08:35 AM
Member
That looks like one of those plastic/phenolic boxes, no idea but fans require a fan rated box as well as a secure mounting,
Id be looking to upgrade!
Id be looking to upgrade!
#3
07-23-20, 08:37 AM
Member
If it's not fan rated, the short answer is NO!
It's just not how well the box is attached to the joist, but what screws are used to hold the weight of the fan to the box. Fan rated boxes usually use a 10-32 or at least an 8-32 screw vs a 6-32 for a light.
It's just not how well the box is attached to the joist, but what screws are used to hold the weight of the fan to the box. Fan rated boxes usually use a 10-32 or at least an 8-32 screw vs a 6-32 for a light.
#4
07-23-20, 08:42 AM
Maybe I should have asked is this box fan rated. I am aware that if it is not, then it won’t hold a fan. I couldn’t find any specific markings to identify. The bigger screws do fit into the threads.
I am just being cautious.
I am just being cautious.
#6
07-23-20, 08:57 AM
I only see two attachments in the top. Not attachments on the sides. Feels a tad loose to me. It does have 4 threads. I put a screw in 1 and that helped to tighten it up.
#11
07-23-20, 12:25 PM
For ceiling fans the question is not the box, but the strength of bracket attaching it to beams. There are special assemblies for ceiling fans and heavy chandeliers. Here is typical one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...-205383178-_-N
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...-205383178-_-N
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#12
07-23-20, 12:37 PM
An attic is above. I’ll go up there and install the bracket between the joists and then a fan rated box.
thanks
thanks
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#14
07-24-20, 07:13 AM
Sure "Gen", just cut big hole in ceiling, remove old box and bracket, put in new fan box assembly, then repair ceiling.
Much easier to just to in attic, remove old box and install new assembly.
Amanda K. is doing it the smart, cheaper, easy way
Much easier to just to in attic, remove old box and install new assembly.
Amanda K. is doing it the smart, cheaper, easy way
Last edited by doughess; 07-24-20 at 07:53 AM.
#15
07-24-20, 03:22 PM
Member
I agree that does not look like a box suitable for a fan. The fact it’s loose also tells me it’s probably not suitable for a fan and even if it is, you’ll probably want to replace it.
#16
07-24-20, 06:25 PM
I'm speaking from experience doug... been there done it at least 2 dozen times without going in the attic, or creating any additional holes.
Here's one example doug....(you're welcome!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKWeyydoYTI
Here's one example doug....(you're welcome!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKWeyydoYTI
Last edited by Gen; 07-24-20 at 07:29 PM.
#17
07-25-20, 03:31 AM
Member
Gen is correct. In many cases installing a fan rated box does not necessarily mean going into crawl space or cutting a large hole on ceiling. However, if access is available going into the attic or crawl space will be easer.
#18
07-25-20, 10:06 AM
Group Moderator
A little late to the party.
You have a 4" round phenolic nail on box there. Most likely from Carlon.
The metal bracket is riveted to the box.
<img src="https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/252x326/phnolic_box_8d351a53ff0dd0422d34a8b7ab92e888d65d9e5e.jpg" width="252" height="326"/>
The box system with the expandable bar will probably not work there because that hole is against a ceiling joist. You can use a side mount smart box or my personal choice is to install a 2"x6" piece of wood between the joists and screw into that.
<img src="https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/809x190/fb_d4418e6db0e2ca8834858118883a5e3060587897.jpg" width="809" height="190"/>
You have a 4" round phenolic nail on box there. Most likely from Carlon.
The metal bracket is riveted to the box.
<img src="https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/252x326/phnolic_box_8d351a53ff0dd0422d34a8b7ab92e888d65d9e5e.jpg" width="252" height="326"/>
The box system with the expandable bar will probably not work there because that hole is against a ceiling joist. You can use a side mount smart box or my personal choice is to install a 2"x6" piece of wood between the joists and screw into that.
<img src="https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/809x190/fb_d4418e6db0e2ca8834858118883a5e3060587897.jpg" width="809" height="190"/>
Norm201
voted this post useful.
#19
07-25-20, 01:08 PM
I use this example, my favorite, for a side mount box if the hole is against a joist. This can't be mounted from the attic. And sometimes there is no attic.
https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Elect.../dp/B07QR54LZ7
https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Elect.../dp/B07QR54LZ7
Norm201
voted this post useful.
