[Cement_Frank]

I have worked for quite a few ECs over the years, and a few years of working by myself when starting out. A few contractors I worked for would want me to just hang metal bracket fan boxes with drywall screws, specifically the 1 or 1.25 inch #8s that we mounted outlet and switch boxes with. Some of these were even hung using self drillers going into wood, boss just wanted 4 popped in and call it good. Whenever I was doing a side job or when the boss wasn't there id run in the 3/16" lags in, Ive seen too many drywall screws pop off. I have hung thousands of cans using them but never felt quite about the fan boxes hung with them. Has anybody ever seen a fan box break off drywall screws?

 

[MrElectricianTV]

I have worked for quite a few ECs over the years, and a few years of working by myself when starting out. A few contractors I worked for would want me to just hang metal bracket fan boxes with drywall screws, specifically the 1 or 1.25 inch #8s that we mounted outlet and switch boxes with. Some of these were even hung using self drillers going into wood, boss just wanted 4 popped in and call it good. Whenever I was doing a side job or when the boss wasn't there id run in the 3/16" lags in, Ive seen too many drywall screws pop off. I have hung thousands of cans using them but never felt quite about the fan boxes hung with them. Has anybody ever seen a fan box break off drywall screws?

I once removed a ceiling fan and found a regular pancake box mounted to a solid wood joist using two long 10/32 screws. Suprisingly, it was still fairly tight and I had to turn the screws to remove them. It appeared that someone drilled holes just the right size to get the 10/32's in without being loose.

I have found many outdoor multiple gang meter sockets mounted with drywall screws. They usually rust and fall out over time causing the meter sockets to start hanging off the building.

 

[cad99]

No not yet have I seendrywall screws pop off a fan box. I use drywall screws inside. Triple coated deck our side on meters and disconnects. Panhead zinc coated on outside blocks. I also use Arlington gasket fan rated with screws in addition to nails. Or a Tomas and betts fan rated pan box on remodel work.


Living the dream one nightmare at a time

 

[rjniles]

I see nothing wrong with using a pancake box as long as the fan bracket is screwed solidly to the ceiling joist. I use 2.5" #10 screws.