Does this look like a ceiling fan-rated electrical box?
smiles33
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
My husband and I bought a foreclosed home (built in 2001) and are in the process of installing light fixtures (previous homeowners removed all of them). I'd like a ceiling fan in the master bedroom and am not sure if this is a ceiling fan-rated electrical box. They painted the metal box so there's no visible sticker/engraving stating that it is.
I can see two large screws in the middle of the box, presumably attaching the box to a joist. It looks like it also had some sort of "cross-piece" that they removed when they took the light fixture (or maybe it was a ceiling fan, too?). There aren't the "poles" for the screws, but there are double sets of "ears."
There are also 4 light switches on the wall (2 of which control can lights), so I am wondering if the other 2 maybe were for the light/fan of this ceiling fixture.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
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Reinforcing electrical ceiling box to support heavy fixture
Comments (27)A common method for spotting the lift line for large fixture is to attach the lifting gear to the ceiling joists in a convenient location, then run the lift cable over to a pulley supported by the rafters and spotted exactly were needed. Even a heavy light fixture is usually a relatively small structural load. In residential work the rafters often need some blocking near the point load to limit torquing of the rafter, but tying into two rafters is normally more than adequate. You do need to consider how the loads will be applied to all the components. No wood fastener should be loaded in tension (withdrawal). Even wood screws. Actual screws and bolts can be loaded this way if needed. I often use pieces of angle iron down the sides of the ceiling rafters and joists and then through bolted to hold this type of equipment in place. The lift cable can even rub against the side of a joist if needed. If it is dead center you may need to cut the joist and splice it on each side to create a passage for the cable. If you have trusses an approval will be required from the truss manufacturer, but it should only require a bolted double splice of the same dimensions as the member you are cutting. Believe me, this should be pretty minor compared to other things they have had to deal with...See Moreceiling fan box capacity
Comments (10)The problem is not the box but how it is mounted. Looking at HD, that box is only rated for a 35lb fan. You need something stronger. There are a couple of ways to do this, depending on whether your ceiling is open to the joists, or accessible from above, or not. If open, you can use a 2x4 nailed in between the joists. The box then will be attached to the underside, so leave enough clearance for the box and sheetrock. If closed, then there is a device out there that I've used several times. It is a steel rod-like thing that expands. The ends have spikes that, when expanded, drive into the joists to hold it. It screws together and fits up into the ceiling through the hole for the box. Once up there, you 'unscrew' it which lengthens it until it firmly grips the joists. You then attach a metal box to it with the hardware provided (U-clamp and aircraft nuts). Here is a link that might be useful: HD westinghouse fan box...See MoreReplace ceiling light junction box with fan junction box
Comments (7)First cut power to the ceiling box so you have no live wires. Then use a pliers to pull on each side of the box and figure out which side has the nail into a joist.. Use a reciprocating saw to cut right next to the outside of that side of the box and cut the nail off that is holding it (cut out just enough sheetrock for the blade to fit). Pull the box down and disconnect the wiring. Remove the wiring plugs on the side of the new box and insert the power wires into the box. Install the new box using the manufacturers instructions and tighten in place. It is adjustable so it can slide and be installed anywhere along the bracket, and you should be able to install it right next to the joist, or within about 1/2" of the original box installation. This may require slight cutting of sheetrock again. Use minimally expanding foam or putty to fill in the area around the box and seal it to the ceiling to prevent air infiltration from the attic. Wire up the new fan, which will have a base that is large enough cover the small areas you cut around the old box. Bruce...See Morehandyman rate to change ceiling fan, light fixtures, door, toilet?
Comments (6)If I'm interpreting what you say right -- that you want to replace a chandelier with a ceiling fan -- you don't really need an electrician for that. Just keep an eye on things and make sure your handyperson replaces the standard ceiling box with a fan-rated one. You could use an electrician for that specific task anyway, if you want to make sure. If you actually mean you want the chandelier changed to a light fixture and a ceiling fan added, then yes, you should hire an electrician for that. The other electrical work amounts to just changing one light fixture for another. Having wiring work done by an unlicensed handyman is kind of dubious, I'll admit, but you know what? Changing a light fixture just isn't that complicated. All you need is normal intelligence, a moderate amount of experience, and a decent work ethic. Check with your neighbors, friends, and coworkers for references. In fact you could probably swap out the lights yourself, as long as you shut off the power first (not just at the wall switch), take photos of everything as you disassemble the old fixture, and work carefully with an eye to the photos as you install the new one. If you run into any hitches, you can come back here or visit the GW electrical wiring forum, and we'll help you out....See More
smiles33
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Vith
9 years agoThe red is for wiring the fan and ceiling light on separate switches if you want that. Otherwise it is usually a traveler for a 3 way switch (but there would need to be two separate lines entering the box for that set-up). Cap off the red on both ends if you aren't doing separate switches.
User
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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