ceiling fan falling down?

3 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.

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User

3 years ago

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

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Comments (10)

mtvhike
3 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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Hi wantoretire_did! Thank you so much for the suggestions! I've been meaning to get to HD and my local ACE for a walk-about. I'm going to go when I have a couple of hours and don't have to rush around. Just walk around with my trusty legal pad and take notes. Lighting is a big part of what I want to look at. I really appreciate your suggestion because that didn't even cross my mind! I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of the fixtures in my house are original, and at 37, they need to retire, lol! I just can't see paying some guy from CL for the rest of my life to come replace bulbs and wash the fixtures! I have electric burners, but I can see how that could easily happen with gas. I'm pretty much leaning against the ceiling fans now; cathyyg made very good points, and these seven ft. ceilings feel so low already, even at my height, that I fear the fans would just draw attention to them. We've got a good system with the fans now, and I don't think ceiling fans are as necessary as I thought they were when I first posted this. Yes! Taking lots of pictures! :-) I hope all is well with you and yours!
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The non-metalic octagon boxes were not used very much. Other wiring methods have made them not necessary, almost obsolete. 314.2 Round Boxes. Round boxes shall not be used where conduits or connectors requiring the use of locknuts or bushings are to be connected to the side of the box. 314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and-tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways. Exception No. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables. Exception No. 2: Where integral bonding means with a provision for attaching an equipment bonding jumper in-side the box are provided between all threaded entries in nonmetallic boxes listed for the purpose, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metalarmored cables. . Back to the subject at hand... You should get a box that is rated for a paddle fan, but the holes probably won't line up either, unless you get a 4" box that has holes a little further apart. (I don't really know what size yours is now) If the holes on the new bracket are far enough apart, (and you have access from above) you could nail 2×4s to the joists on each side of the box, and use #10 screws to screw into the boards at least 1.5". Or use a saddle type box that goes over one 2×4. If you do not have access from above, you take out the old box and replace it with one of these. http://www.homedepot.com/p/15-5-cu-in-Retrofit-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Brace-0110000/204845572 The local hardware store will have several other options, depending on the situation. http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/crousehinds/commercial-products/catalog-pdfs/ceiling-fan-boxes-supports.pdf
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User
3 years ago
Are you able to view the fixture from above? Attic or similar.
HU-178658043
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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
last year
Shana, I've got the same issue. How did you fix?

ceiling fan falling down?

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ceiling fan falling down?

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