Outdoor ceiling fan installation help
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Outdoor ceiling fan installation help
Hi,
I like to install an outdoor rated ceiling fan in my patio.
I have a couple of questions:
1.) Do I need to install an electrical box or can I run flex conduit directly to fan through ceiling? Essentially just drilling a 3/4" hole and install fan bracket on joists?
2.) if not, or preferred electrical box are there options that to do not require a bracket?
i..e. not use https://sigma.octopart.com/28800981/...se-0110000.jpg
something like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...-204845557-_-N
https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-Raco-...3J3GCWX5EMB885
I like to install an outdoor rated ceiling fan in my patio.
I have a couple of questions:
1.) Do I need to install an electrical box or can I run flex conduit directly to fan through ceiling? Essentially just drilling a 3/4" hole and install fan bracket on joists?
2.) if not, or preferred electrical box are there options that to do not require a bracket?
i..e. not use https://sigma.octopart.com/28800981/...se-0110000.jpg
something like this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...-204845557-_-N
https://www.amazon.com/Hubbell-Raco-...3J3GCWX5EMB885
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, I will go with a product like this:
https://hubbellcdn.com/installationm...94-1_294XL.pdf
However, I do have some follow up questions:
1.) the instructions talk about non-metalic cable. Can I use regular conduit or flex with this?
2.) In my outdoor application I have to go through a 1/4" sheet and then 3/4" trim - it seems height adjustable?
Are there other products like this? I like this as the bracket doesn't extend beyond the box. I might end up in a corner location where the joist is meeting a header. And box has to go into corner.
https://hubbellcdn.com/installationm...94-1_294XL.pdf
However, I do have some follow up questions:
1.) the instructions talk about non-metalic cable. Can I use regular conduit or flex with this?
2.) In my outdoor application I have to go through a 1/4" sheet and then 3/4" trim - it seems height adjustable?
Are there other products like this? I like this as the bracket doesn't extend beyond the box. I might end up in a corner location where the joist is meeting a header. And box has to go into corner.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I had the chance to investigate what is above fan ceiling mount location. There is a 2x4. In total I have 3/4" trim + plywood, mounted to 2x4. Fan woudl be directly under 2x4.
Therefore, do I still need fan mount? Or could I screw the fan assembly directly to the 2x4?
I guess there is mechanical and electrical question. Electrical: doe the wires need to be coming out of a mount or not.
Else, I am assuming I could go this route:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-Dra...8293/100574367
Drawback is that fan would be 1/2" lower, not flush with ceiling, if I surface mount the ceiling pan.
Therefore, do I still need fan mount? Or could I screw the fan assembly directly to the 2x4?
I guess there is mechanical and electrical question. Electrical: doe the wires need to be coming out of a mount or not.
Else, I am assuming I could go this route:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-Dra...8293/100574367
Drawback is that fan would be 1/2" lower, not flush with ceiling, if I surface mount the ceiling pan.
#5
Your link is showing a fan rated pancake box. That will work. You could use a 4" hole saw and cut the plywood so that the box sits on the trim. It would then be recessed.
I'm guessing the ceiling is already installed. If it wasn't you could use a box like the Arlington adjustable one called the in-out box. Arlington fan box video
You could also use a 4" hole saw and cut the plywood and the trim. Then you could use a saddle box that mounts directly over a stud. The box allows for 1/2" sheet rock so you may need to use some 1/2" plywood to space the box down.

Only the metal pancake comes with 1/2" KO's for installing flex.
I'm guessing the ceiling is already installed. If it wasn't you could use a box like the Arlington adjustable one called the in-out box. Arlington fan box video
You could also use a 4" hole saw and cut the plywood and the trim. Then you could use a saddle box that mounts directly over a stud. The box allows for 1/2" sheet rock so you may need to use some 1/2" plywood to space the box down.

Only the metal pancake comes with 1/2" KO's for installing flex.
#6
You need a fan rated box to hold the weight.
because it is a dynamic load more than weight. The boxes have larger fasteners with more threads in contact to reduce the chance of the screws vibrating loose.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. Looking at a couple of position options. I have to drill that 4" hole eventually :-)
I noticed the Arlington box is height adjustable. Is this the only product?
I guess this one: https://hubbellcdn.com/installationm...94-1_294XL.pdf is based on where is mounted to truss.
I am assuming this isn't height adjustable?
https://www.hubbell.com/raco/en/Prod.../936/p/1670452
I noticed the Arlington box is height adjustable. Is this the only product?
I guess this one: https://hubbellcdn.com/installationm...94-1_294XL.pdf is based on where is mounted to truss.
I am assuming this isn't height adjustable?
https://www.hubbell.com/raco/en/Prod.../936/p/1670452

Last edited by PJmax; 05-12-19 at 11:04 AM. Reason: added pic
#8
Your first link points to a "nail-on" type box. That is located right where you set it.
Your second link is an expanding fan bar box. The way it works is that the two brackets sit on the sheetrock and the bar is tightened or actually expanded until it's tightly wedged between the joists. You can add shims below the two brackets in order to raise the box.
Your second link is an expanding fan bar box. The way it works is that the two brackets sit on the sheetrock and the bar is tightened or actually expanded until it's tightly wedged between the joists. You can add shims below the two brackets in order to raise the box.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
I ended up drilling my 4" hole. The project got much simpler.
I need a 1 3/4" inch deep direct mount box. I fon't think 1 3/4 exist, so I will go with 1 1/2"
Probably like this:
https://www.hubbell.com/raco/en/Prod...96-1/p/1670199
I need a box with lot's of mounting options. To turn it to feed the MC cable from top in the gap between 2x4 and 4" hole on the side.
I think this onehas better fan weight rating than the hubell:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...B150/205383181
I need a 1 3/4" inch deep direct mount box. I fon't think 1 3/4 exist, so I will go with 1 1/2"
Probably like this:
https://www.hubbell.com/raco/en/Prod...96-1/p/1670199
I need a box with lot's of mounting options. To turn it to feed the MC cable from top in the gap between 2x4 and 4" hole on the side.
I think this onehas better fan weight rating than the hubell:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...B150/205383181
Last edited by destruct05; 05-12-19 at 12:26 PM.