Is this a box suitable for mounting a fan??
#1
07-15-16, 03:06 PM
Is this a box suitable for mounting a fan??
We just bought a house with a light fixture on the bedroom. I can't tell if the mount is rated for a ceiling fan or not and the attic has a massive amount of insulation over the bedroom. It feels like the mount might be attached to a metal brace between two joists. Can you tell me if this looks like a ceiling fan mount?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2l5hcpw4su...%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y498iczyoi...%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2l5hcpw4su...%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y498iczyoi...%20PM.jpg?dl=0
Last edited by PJmax; 07-15-16 at 10:15 PM. Reason: added pics from links
#2
07-15-16, 03:25 PM
Group Moderator
Not everyone can access dropbox, including me. This might help: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
#3
07-15-16, 03:39 PM
Member
While there are a few plastic boxes that are fan rated, that is not one of them. Many boxes mount with a steel bracket to suspend the box between joists, but that doesn't mean it's fan rated.
You should be able to replace that box with a fan rated box and support without going into the attic by using one of the kits designed to be installed through the hole. You would remove the box and then cut the old bracket or bend it up out of the way and install the new support and box.
You should be able to replace that box with a fan rated box and support without going into the attic by using one of the kits designed to be installed through the hole. You would remove the box and then cut the old bracket or bend it up out of the way and install the new support and box.
#4
07-15-16, 04:17 PM
Group Moderator
Carbide is correct. That is either a remodel fiberglass/Bakelite box or one with a bracket that the box can slide side to side on.
Good news is it will be easy to remove from the ceiling! Loosen the larger screws from the back of the box and it should come down.
Good news is it will be easy to remove from the ceiling! Loosen the larger screws from the back of the box and it should come down.
#5
07-16-16, 05:52 AM
One caveat, once you remove that box, you may have a difficult time installing a fan rated box on the support system. If the bar is a small 1/2" slip type, it may not be fan rated, so any box attached to it, whether fan rated or not, will lose that fan rating.
#6
07-16-16, 06:09 AM
Member
If you have good access to the attic,work from there,remove the box and install a new fan rated box,you may be able to install a blocking between joists and mount the new box onto it,accept for the heat it should be an easy fix.
#7
07-16-16, 10:49 AM
Group Moderator
If it's a bar box now..... the bar must be removed. It can't be reused.
Many of the new fans boxes can be installed from below the ceiling. My favorite....
15.5 cu. in. Retrofit Ceiling Fan Saf-T-Brace-0110000 - The Home Depot
Many of the new fans boxes can be installed from below the ceiling. My favorite....
15.5 cu. in. Retrofit Ceiling Fan Saf-T-Brace-0110000 - The Home Depot
#9
07-16-16, 12:33 PM
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The retrofit fan boxes with the metal bars are great if you don't have any flooring in the attic, if you do have flooring you will need to remove some of the ceiling. You still might need to remove part of the ceiling depending on how the old bar for the old box is fastened. Once the new box is up though you will then have a safe box for any kind of lighting. If you are really lucky you might have a wood joist you can attach to and then you can forgo the box with the bar.
#10
07-16-16, 12:59 PM
Group Moderator
With the HD retrofit box system like Ray and I have shown... you do not need access from above.
