[mauricem]

We moved into a newly-built home and bought some ceiling fans. When I went to install them I noticed the boxes in the ceiling don't seem to support ceiling fans. They're held in with drywall screws and don't seem secure enough to hold the weight of the fans.

I'm trying to figure out what to do. Should I buy new boxes? How would I install it?

I can't embed images because I'm new.

 

[chandler48]

I"ll send some pictures of the boxes that are fan rated. Since you have one post under your belt, you should be able to do it, now. "Go Advanced", then "Manage Attachments" and post your pictures. NOTE, you do not use the "ears" to attach your fan. You use the "through" posts and 10-24 screws. to do that.

 

[mauricem]

Mine doesn't look anything like those. So I'm assuming I need to replace the boxes then.

It still says I can't add images :-(

 

[TarheelTerp]

We moved into a newly-built home and bought some ceiling fans.
I'm trying to figure out what to do.

I think you need to complain to the builder & electrician.
In 2020 there's no (good) excuse to go cheap like that...
especially so if the house doesn't have an attic above.

 

[mauricem]

I think you need to complain to the builder & electrician.
In 2020 there's no (good) excuse to go cheap like that...
especially so if the house doesn't have an attic above.

I was wondering that myself. I just spoke to a builder representative and they said the boxes are rated for fans and connect to the joists. I'll try one and see what happens.

Thanks for all the advice and will post the results for reference.

 

[Jim Port]

The code requires the box to be fan rated even if no fan m.j is installed. Post a picture before you hang the fan and possibly waste time and create a safety hazard.

 

[rjniles]

The code requires the box to be fan rated even if no fan m.j is installed. Post a picture before you hang the fan and possibly waste time and create a safety hazard.

Jim, when did that become code? Does this apply to all ceilng fixture boxes or only certain rooms?

Sent from my RCT6A03W13E using Tapatalk

 

[Datawise]

There is no code up here to install a fan-rated ceiling box during installation. However there is a code requirement for them if a fan is installed.

@mauricem remember it is just not about the weight of the fan, but also the torque that it places on the screws and tabs that hold the screws by the fan in rotation. A standard box is usually rated for the weight of most fans, but not the torque generated.

Cheers
John

 

[Wiredindallas]

Fan rated boxes are required wherever a fan or heavy fixture is likely to be installed. NEC article 314.27.

 

[Oldmaster]

Article states boxes used for fan support. Not likely to be used. How would you determine which boxes are likely to used?

 

[Jim Port]

I was told if a fan could be installed there later it needed to be fan rated.

 

[Oldmaster]

That would be too vague. Looking at the code it describes type of box to be used when ceiling fan is used. We usually put them in all bedrooms and living rooms.

 

[Fishbulb28]

I was told if a fan could be installed there later it needed to be fan rated.

I believe you are thinking of the spare conductor rule. If a spare or unused ungrounded conductor is run to the ceiling outlet box then it must be fan rated if a fan can be installed in that location. Without the extra conductor there's no requirement.

 

[Oldmaster]

Logically if you plan on installing a fan you should install the extra conductor but I'm not sure the code requires this.

 

[Jim Port]

IIRC the extra conductor part was dropped.

 

[Oldmaster]

Found it. Always did this but didn't realize to was in the NEC. Learn something every day

 

[Fishbulb28]

IIRC the extra conductor part was dropped.

I just checked the 2020 and you are correct. It was dropped. I'm learning something today, too!

 

[Oldmaster]

Still in the 2020 NEC

 

[Jim Port]

To OP, if the box is not the sole support the box does not need to be fan rated.

 

[mauricem]

Good news. A couple of #10 wood screws is all that was needed. I got the fans up and so far so good. Thanks for the help guys!