Install A Ceiling Fan Electrical Box

Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that s designed to hold a heavy fixture.

Install a ceiling fan electrical box.

Once you ve found the proper location mark it and cut a hole. Attach the ceiling plate to the box with two 1 1 2 inch long 10 32 machine screws. 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. 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.

Installing a ceiling electrical box lets you add a light fixture to a room. If you re going to paint the medallion do it before installing the ceiling plate. If you plan to control the ceiling fan from a light switch make sure the switch is wired appropriately for the fan. Before you purchase the fan check the manufacturer s installation instructions and purchase an approved electrical ceiling box.

Because ceiling fans are so heavy the national electrical code nec prohibits attaching a ceiling fan to a standard ceiling box. It can be made of metal or plastic it s usually round and it attaches to a ceiling. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring. If there isn t a suitable joist or brace available but you have access to the framing through the attic add a brace that can support the fan.

Keep in mind what makes a ceiling fan electrical box different from a traditional light fixture box is the bracing. Ceiling fan boxes must include bracing that attaches to the ceiling joists to support the greater weight and vibration that comes with a ceiling fan installation. If you want to install a ceiling fan then you will need to get a box rated to hold the weight of a ceiling fan or you will want to add some additional bracing to hold the ceiling fan. The box must be mounted firmly either by attaching it directly to a framing member or by using a fan rated brace.

If you re installing a new electrical box fasten it to a ceiling joist or a 2 by 4 wood brace between two ceiling joists. Hold the fan s metal ceiling plate up to the pancake box and pull the wires through its center hole. Assemble the fan components. In most cases an electrician installs a rough in electrical box before hanging any type of ceiling fixture.