Install A Ceiling Fan Electrical Box

Assemble the fan components.

Install a ceiling fan electrical box.

It will not only hold the wiring but also support the full weight of the fan. Attach the ceiling plate to the box with two 1 1 2 inch long 10 32 machine screws. 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. Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that s designed to hold a heavy fixture.

Before you purchase the fan check the manufacturer s installation instructions and purchase an approved electrical ceiling box. In most cases an electrician installs a rough in electrical box before hanging any type of ceiling fixture. The box must be mounted firmly either by attaching it directly to a framing member or by using a fan rated brace. Hold the fan s metal ceiling plate up to the pancake box and pull the wires through its center hole.

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. If you plan to control the ceiling fan from a light switch make sure the switch is wired appropriately for the fan. If you re going to paint the medallion do it before installing the ceiling plate. Installing the box is easily done but you must be careful anytime you are working with electrical wiring.

Mount the ceiling plate. Because ceiling fans are so heavy the national electrical code nec prohibits attaching a ceiling fan to a standard ceiling box. Once you ve found the proper location mark it and cut a hole. 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.

It can be made of metal or plastic it s usually round and it attaches to a ceiling. 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. Keep in mind what makes a ceiling fan electrical box different from a traditional light fixture box is the bracing. 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.