Presuming you don’t have access to the ceiling fan from above, you must either use a specially rated hanger and box to mount the fan between joists or, better yet, screw a fan-rated “pancake” box (so called because it’s very thin) directly to a ceiling joist.
Can I hang a ceiling fan without a box?
Check the joists for any wiring or plumbing pipes that might be in the way before installing your ceiling fan. Make sure the electrical box that holds the ceiling fan in place is fan-rated. Ceiling fans are heavy and cannot be installed without the right electrical box.
Can a plastic box support a ceiling fan?
Electricians use both metal and plastic boxes, and the latter are preferred in some cases because they are inexpensive, easy to use and naturally insulated. They aren’t made for supporting much weight, however, and shouldn’t be used to support a ceiling fan.
Will a pancake box hold a ceiling fan?
You’ll use a half-inch pancake electrical box to secure your ceiling fan to the joist. Hold it up to the ceiling, centered on the joist, and trace its outline with a pencil. Cut out the hole with a drywall saw. You’ll need to make a new hole for the ceiling fan pancake box, usually right next to the light fixture hole.
How do you know if a box will support a fan?
If the box was installed recently in accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC), the box should be labeled if it’s rated to support a ceiling fan. 314.27 Outlet Boxes.
How much weight will a plastic light box hold?
This box would be rated up to 50lbs. An old work round plastic box has three retractable wings that clamp the box against the drywall. This box is suitable for lighter fixtures, perhaps up to 10lbs.
What kind of electrical box is needed for ceiling fan?
Ceiling fan boxes must be UL-listed for ceiling fan mounting and marked “For Use With Ceiling Fans.” Do not use standard round or octagonal boxes for installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fan boxes require special fastening to withstand the dynamic loading of a rotating fan.
How do you install a ceiling fan box without attic access?
Quote from Youtube video: For this job you're going to need a couple tools for this job we will be using a battery power drill with a Philips tip bit a razor blade electrical tape and a mounting block.
Can I install a ceiling fan where a light fixture is?
There’s really no problem in replacing an existing light fixture with a ceiling fan in terms of the electrical needs. But what you really have to be careful of is to make sure the electrical box that the light fixture is attached to will support the extra weight of the ceiling fan.
How much does the average ceiling fan weigh?
Ceiling fans vary widely depending on several factors. They range from as light as 1 pound to as heavy as 50 pounds. However, most fans weigh between 17 and 20 pounds.
Can a ceiling fan be too heavy?
If the fixture is too heavy, it must be supported by an electrical box connected to a stud, rafter, or joist. This could mean that you may need to change the position of the fan. If you need to fix a loose light fixture, turn off the electrical panel breaker switch.
What is a fan rated outlet box?
A ceiling fan rated electrical box is used to house electrical wire connections and properly support heavy fixtures such as your Hunter Fan.
What is a pancake box?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Hi this is bill for sparky. Channel. This box right here is called a pancake box it's called a pancake box because it's pretty much the size and shape of a pancake. This wire right here is the wire
Can my electrical box hold a ceiling fan?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you want to put a ceiling fan in between joists you can use a fan support box like this which has a maximum weight of 70 pounds.
How do you support a ceiling fan?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can leave the box inside the ceiling. The new box will be supported by a ceiling fan brace. You can get one at any Home Center slip the brace into the ceiling and Center it over the hole.
How do you make a ceiling fan box?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So i started by cutting four sides. I made my box 15 inches the sides are eight inches. So i cut the four sides then i put the four sides together as a box. And then i measured the inside.
How do you anchor a ceiling fan?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You'll want to ensure that the current electrical or junction box is rated for ceiling fan use. If it's not replace. It with one that is these metal boxes are usually labeled and designed to house
