Ceiling Fan Electrical Box Installation

The national electric code requires that all fans 35 pounds and over must be supported with an outlet box or outlet box system that is listed for ceiling fan support.

Ceiling fan electrical box installation. For a downrod installation make sure the tab on the mounting bracket ceiling plate or canopy is seated securely in the slot on the hanger ball. Where a box is used as the sole support for a ceiling paddle fan the box must be listed for this purpose and include the weight of the fan. Install a new ceiling fan mounting box. Plastic nm fan box with plastic cover model cpb13nm sm 4 47 4 47.

Cut along the line with a drywall saw. It will not only hold the wiring but also support the full weight of the fan. Depending on the model you might need to remove the fan from the support hook. Direct mount fixture fan ceiling box model s116fan 6 93 6 93.

Before you purchase the fan check the manufacturer s installation instructions and purchase an approved electrical ceiling box. Can be supported directly to an outlet box that is identified for this purpose 422 18 a. In most cases an electrician installs a rough in electrical box before hanging any type of ceiling fixture. Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that s designed to hold a heavy fixture.

The box must be mounted firmly either by attaching it directly to a framing member or by using a fan rated brace. Ceiling paddle fans not in excess of 35 lb. 2 remove any light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture and then unscrew the screws or nuts holding the fixture base to the ceiling box. Hold a vacuum cleaner wand next to the saw to catch the dust.

Most building codes require ceiling fans to be mounted on special fan rated boxes which are made of metal or strong plastic and have deep threaded holes for the mounting screws. Electrical boxes for ceiling paddle fan. Hold a 1 2 inch thick pancake box against the ceiling centered on a joist and trace around it with a pencil. Feed the electrical cable coming from the ceiling through the knockout hole in the pancake box.

If your electrical box is a thin pancake style box separate and tuck the wires into the fan canopy. If you plan to control the ceiling fan from a light switch make sure the switch is wired appropriately for the fan. Electrical box and a ceiling fan wiring hanger bracket family handyman feed the existing wire through the cable clamp in the top of the new metal ceiling fan junction box slip the box over the saddle screws and tighten the nuts to clamp the box to the shaft with a nut driver or a deep well socket. Commercial electric 12 cu.

It can be made of metal or plastic it s usually round and it attaches to a ceiling.