Are old-work ceiling fan boxes safe?

secutanudu

My parents want a ceiling fan in place of their current light in the bedroom. Attic space is above, but it's floored. If it's just as safe, I'll use an old work box instead of cutting a hole in the plywood attic floor.

Also - is there an easy way to tell if my current bedroom fan is using a fan-rated box? I don't trust that the previous homeowners did it right at all...

Thoughts?

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Andrew

Jim Port

SmartBox and Arlington both have old work fan rated boxes that will secure to the joists.

The fan rated boxes should have a label that states "Acceptable for fan support" or "Fan rated box".

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

secutanudu

The ones i've seen have tubes inside each other that you unscrew to push into neighboring joists - I get how they work, just not sure if they are really OK to use (despite their fan rating), or if I should put in the extra time and put an old-work box in.

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Andrew

Jim Port

Never had a problem with the screw out expansion brackets. Just don't go out too far and crack the drywall or plaster.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

jbfan

I sure hope so!
I have a couple in my house, and have installed many of them over the years.

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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

secutanudu

Thanks!

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Andrew