[N21911S]

I would like to add four ceiling fans. I intend to run a single 20a circuit from the main panel to the center of the attic and branch out to the individual fans from there. The problem is, I do not know what to use as a "junction box". Wire nutting all those wires seems inappropriate and really ugly. Any suggestions?

Tks, Bill

 

[Daniel Holzman]

First off, you need to verify that the total draw of the four fans does not exceed 20 amps. Next, you need to run 12 gauge wire for each circuit, and protect with a 20 amp breaker. Third, you will need a junction box of adequate size to handle 5 pairs of 12 gauge wire, plus grounds. Last, wire nuts have been used since the dawn of electrical code, if you think they are ugly, I can't imagine how you live in your house, since it is almost certainly full of wire nuts. Besides, if you do the job correctly, the wire nuts will be inside the junction box, which by code must be accessible, and you will never see them again.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I've seen fans that use quite a bit of power
But newer fans should use less, it is something to check
20a is good for 2400 watts
Just fans, or will they have lights?

How Much Energy Do Ceiling Fans Use?
Fans use no more electricity than light bulbs. Typical wattages for various ceiling fan sizes are:

• 36" = 55 watts
• 48" = 75 watts
• 52" = 90 watts
• 56" = 100 watts

Using junction boxes isn't really that hard
Is there something you don't understand?
Will these be controlled by switches or wireless?
Basically a 3rd wire would go to the fan wiring box
Then the switch wire(s) would also go to the fan box

 

[N21911S]

My concern is wire nutting FIVE 12 ga wires together (3 times, white black and ground) and stuffing it all in a box. Seems to me a junction box such as used in the automotive or aviation industry is called for. Maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs to me but, if a box with insulated studs and a buss bar was available, it would be just the ticket. Something like a circuit breaker box without the circuit breakers.
Tks, Bill

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Well, I would use multiple junction boxes, not just one
But it depends upon where the wire needs to go
I would run power from above one fan to above the next fan
Use the junction boxes to run power/switch wire down to each fan

And they make a fan ceiling box
So you install a box for each fan
Running from one fan to the next is easier as each box will only have 3 wires
Hot In
Hot out
Switch wire

The last box will only have 2 wires
Hot in
Switch wire

 

[N21911S]

Scuba Dave,
Like a daisy chain? If so, I had not thought of that. Thank you.
Tks, Bill

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Yes, daisy chain - easier then trying to wire not more then 3 wires together. Usually you need to install (by code?) the fan boxes for proper support between rafters. So it's easier to chain from one to the next

I've only connected one fan at a time
But I do have multiple recessed cans that I daisy chained

 

[HouseHelper]

I would like to add four ceiling fans. I intend to run a single 20a circuit from the main panel to the center of the attic and branch out to the individual fans from there. The problem is, I do not know what to use as a "junction box". Wire nutting all those wires seems inappropriate and really ugly. Any suggestions?

Tks, Bill

How do you plan to control these fans? Individual switches? Pull chains only? All on one switch?

 

[kbsparky]

My concern is wire nutting FIVE 12 ga wires together (3 times, white black and ground) and stuffing it all in a box. Seems to me a junction box such as used in the automotive or aviation industry is called for. Maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs to me but, if a box with insulated studs and a buss bar was available, it would be just the ticket. Something like a circuit breaker box without the circuit breakers.
Tks, Bill

All you need is some large enough wire-nuts. 5 #12 wires are rated to fit into a standard Buchanan B-2 red wirenut. Use an extra deep "2100" box

 

[InPhase277]

If each of these fans is to be controlled separately, I would run a 12-2 from each fan box to the next, and a 12-3 from each fan box to a two-gang switch box. Is fan-rated octagon boxes for adequate volume.