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ceiling fan falling down?

2 years ago

There was a ceiling fan installed by the previous homeowner into a plaster ceiling - likely the old electric from the 30’s. I’ve noticed over the past few years that it seems to be pulling down and there is a ring around it. Any thoughts on if it was perhaps installed incorrectly? It’s not wobbling but it doesn’t look good and I’ve seen some small cracks extending out of the area.

Featured Answer

User

2 years ago

Could it be that the hole cover has slipped down and not the motor?

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Comments (10)

mtvhike
2 years ago
There are special electrical boxes made for hanging fans, which have extra support brackets. Maybe this isn't one of them.
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I would not recommend fans with metal blades, they will rust and typically require ceilings over 10 feet because they are not considered safe in residential applications. You are best off with fans that have special UV protective ABS plastic blades or thicker solid wood blades that are rated for outdoor wet or damp locations. Wet rated fans have the highest tolerance for abuse from the elements and are the best choice, but a covered porch like yours can use a damp rated or wet rated fan. Also, in outdoor locations it is critical to consider the amount of airflow that the fan produces because open outdoor locations do not allow the air to escape on the sides and the breeze you feel from a fan is a lot less than what you feel in an enclosed area indoors. So you need more powerful fans than those listed above. The Donaire fan recommended below has a wind speed factor of about 3.8 MPH, which is over 50% more breeze than the Westinghouse fan above. The ultimate outdoor fan is made of marine grade 316 stainless steel and has ABS blades. It is the Donaire by Matthews Fan Company and is available in brushed nickel or bronze stainless steel. Here are some pictures of the fan taken from the product detail pages using the Room Settings Viewer at Hansen Wholesale. This feature allows you to add your own room setting so you can see how any fan on the website looks in your own setting, so you may want to give that a try. Donaire in Brushed Nickel Donaire in Bronze There are many other high quality outdoor ceiling fans available from Hansen Wholesale. To add your photo to use the room settings viewer email some pictures to: DesignService@hansenwholesale.com with the subject "Room Settings Viewer - Houzz" Response provided by: Hansen Wholesale https://www.hansenwholesale.com 1-800-201-1193
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Jim Mat
2 years ago
Are you able to view the fixture from above? Attic or similar.
HU-178658043
2 years ago
I recommend that you remove the fan in order to determine if the ceiling box was the proper type and was installed correctly for a fan. If you post pictures of what you find, someone may be able to offer more help than a guess.
Bruce in Northern Virginia
2 years ago
The old steel ceiling boxes might be strong enough to hold a fan, since they usually had a metal bracket that bridged the joists, but that weight was not what they were designed for. You need to find out what has let loose, and I expect the fix will be to install a modern ceiling box that is designed to support a fan.

Bruce
DavidR
2 years ago
It's tough to be sure from the photo, but it looks like that might be part of the box showing as it's being pulled loose by the fan's weight and vibration. If so, that's not really a safe situation. The fan needs to come down and a proper fan rated box installed. Until you can either get it checked or drop the fan yourself, don't stand under it, and keep kids and pets away too.
ci_lantro
2 years ago
For sure needs to be checked into. The fan may be in danger of falling or it could be something as simple as the canopy/ covering having come loose and slipped down.

That circle on the ceiling--probably the dirty or rusty ghost print of an old light fixture that has bled thru the paint. I would cover with 2 coats of shellac (Zinsser's BIN in the red can--also available in a spray can), allowing to dry between coats & then touch up with your ceiling paint.
cat_ky
2 years ago
I would have a licensed electrician check it asap, before it does fall down on top of someone. A ceiling fan is very heavy, and that one looks like it could fall any minute.
shanabartlett
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all so much for the input! I’ll take it down and let you all know what happens from there!
Laurie DeWitt
14 days ago
Shana, I've got the same issue. How did you fix?

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