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Ceiling fan box is wobbly. Will it be ok?

3K views 28 replies 11 participants last post by  Jim Port 
#1 ·
#2 · (Edited)
mikegp said:
Just installed one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-20-cu-in-Ceiling-Box-B620KGR-UPC/100114498#.UZoRbNgZ9Uw

I can easily move it around with my hand. Does this mean the fan will wobble or once the fan is pulled up to the drywall it will hold it firmly? I realize I should have probably purchased a better box, but drywall is up and fastened and I prefer to not have to drop it again. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
Did you tighten the two screws inside the box that tighten it to the hanger bar?
 
#7 ·
Also, I pulled down on the bar and it should hold over 100lbs from what I saw, it's just the box is wobbly. I'll try to tighten it more and see what happens. I'm just hoping the fan will pull up to the drywall and lock it in place. I haven't purchased the fan yet, otherwise I would just install it temporarily to see what happens. Thanks for the help.
 
#25 ·
I'm just hoping the fan will pull up to the drywall and lock it in place.
Yes, this should happen. I installed a retrofit wall box with light switches that's a bit wiggly without the coverplate. Put the coverplate on, and it becomes solid. This only works if the box is recessed from the drywall, but I believe code requires boxes to be recessed 1/8" from the drywall anyway.
 
#8 · (Edited)
That box looks like the standard box for a ceiling fixture. The support bar is not as robust as one for a fan, nor do I see a metal plate on the top of the box for the mounting screws. Also the box should be labeled or have a sticker that tell you acceptable for fan support.

Carlon does not show a fan rated box that is blue.
 
#9 ·
Hmm, interesting. It is rated for 50lbs and I would really love to leave it up. Maybe I'll try to find a fan I like and test it out. I might even be able to remove it without dropping the ceiling and then use a beefy old work box in its place.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Just installed one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-20-cu-in-Ceiling-Box-B620KGR-UPC/100114498#.UZoRbNgZ9Uw

I can easily move it around with my hand. Does this mean the fan will wobble or once the fan is pulled up to the drywall it will hold it firmly? I realize I should have probably purchased a better box, but drywall is up and fastened and I prefer to not have to drop it again. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
The fan or the box????

As Jim notes, that does not look like a fan rated box (not that I recognize every makers fan box)

While not addressing code, in Cali I found two different fan rated boxes... for different weight fans.... can't remember the exact weights.

However in my personal home in Co, I have 6 fans thru house mounted on regular metal boxes for 20 + years with no problem... however I did mount each directly to framing members. If that box wobbles, I would think it might promote/or-not-help any imbalance and wobble in the actual fan.


EDIT: As Busman notes, the fan rated boxes we installed in Cali were not metal, but not blues. They were kind of a hard bakelite type fiberglassy solid box. Stretcher bars were heavier and much more solid.
 
#19 ·
The assembly I have is definitely far from beefy. That's weird that they've been selling this box as a fan box for over a year now. Installing a new one is not an issue, removing this one is since it's screwed to the joists. If I'm lucky I'll be able to fit my driver up there, otherwise I'll need pull enough screws from the drywall to hopefully get to it without dropping the sheets.
 
#23 ·
A wobbly fan is nothing to mess with. Go into another room and turn one on and then think about that animal falling down while in motion. The smallest wobble can cause a catastrophe

I have seen what happens when a fan falls while in motion at an apartment, small fan - huge amount of damage and dam near killed a kid in a room.

Would you drive on a car with a wobbly wheel?

It is just not worth the risk. Change the box.

Robyn
 
#26 ·
The code does not require the box to be recessed. It is allowed to be recessed up to 1/4" in a non-combustible surface. In a combustible surface it must be flush or proud of the surface.
 
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