A fan rated pancake box is used for roughing in the ceiling fan installation. There are many boxes that have a total volume of less than 8 inches. Most ceiling fan canopies don’t have a volume marked on them.
What is a ceiling fan pancake box used for?
A fan rated pancake box is used for roughing in the ceiling fan installation. There are many boxes that have a total volume of less than 8 inches. Most ceiling fan canopies don’t have a volume marked on them. Can you use a pancake box for a ceiling fan?
How do you hang a fan from a pancake box?
Note that if you use the standard pancake box you cannot hang the fan from the box but must have long screws that go into the 2x4 above. The oil bath Hunters of that day were hung from a single heavy central hook which screwed through the central hole in the pancake box into the 2x4 above the ceiling.
Do I need an outlet box for a ceiling fan?
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. The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations.
How does a ceiling fan box work?
Specially designed outlet boxes for ceiling fan support have special braces that extend to contact adjacent ceiling joists. These braces are then nailed or screwed into the joists themselves. A threaded set-nipple is mounted in the middle of the box, which allows the box to travel laterally along the brace.
Can I hang a ceiling fan from a pancake box?
Presuming you don't have access to the ceiling fan from above, you must either use a specially rated hanger and box to mount the fan between joists or, better yet, screw a fan-rated “pancake” box (so called because it's very thin) directly to a ceiling joist.
Are pancake boxes fan rated?
Quite often, a fan rated pancake box is used when roughing in the ceiling fan installation. Many of these boxes only have a total volume of 6 or 8 cubic inches. One single 14-3 (with ground) Nonmetallic sheathed cable will completely fill the 8 cubic inch fan box to its maximum allowable capacity.
What type of box can be used to support a ceiling fan?
Support Requirements 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. The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations.
Do you need a special box for ceiling fan?
Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that's designed to hold a heavy fixture. It will not only hold the wiring, but also support the full weight of the fan.
What are pancake boxes for?
Round pan, or "pancake," boxes typically are only 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch deep. They are used most commonly for ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures that weigh no more than 50 pounds. Some types of specially rated metal pan boxes may be used for mounting ceiling fans, but not all pan boxes may be used for this purpose.Jun 15, 2021
Can you use a pancake box outside?
The NEC code does not permit the canopy or empty space of a fixture to substitute for cubic wire space for wires larger than #16 gauge. And a 4" pancake boxes cubic space legally can only hold one 14/2.Jul 30, 2015
How do you reinforce a light box for a ceiling fan?
0:502:12How to Reinforce the Ceiling & Prepare the Ceiling Fan BoxYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd go between the ceiling joists and lay that 2x4 down in there and then just come down here andMoreAnd go between the ceiling joists and lay that 2x4 down in there and then just come down here and shoot a screw up through the box up through into the 2x4.
Can I use plastic box for ceiling fan?
Electricians use both metal and plastic boxes, and the latter are preferred in some cases because they are inexpensive, easy to use and naturally insulated. They aren't made for supporting much weight, however, and shouldn't be used to support a ceiling fan.
How much weight can a ceiling light box hold?
All ceiling boxes are required to support at least 50 pounds (NEC 314.27(A)), so you can assume the box will be able to support a simple light fixture. Boxes that are designed to support ceiling fans must be labeled as such, and must have a label listing the weight it can support if over 35 pounds (NEC 314.27(D)).Apr 13, 2013
How do you tell if an existing junction box will support a ceiling fan?
3:5611:01Ceiling Fan Support Boxes Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDirectly into the wood. And so that's one thing you can tell is that this box is solid there is noMoreDirectly into the wood. And so that's one thing you can tell is that this box is solid there is no movement whatsoever on it. Because it's attached right to the wood.
How much weight can a fan box hold?
Weight limits: fans and fixtures are supported independent of outlet box. Mounting screws go through box and into joist. Box will support up to 70 lbs.
What is a ceiling junction box?
Octagon or circular boxes are used to hang a light fixture, square boxes are most often used as junction boxes, and rectangular boxes hold switches and receptacles. A covered electrical box in the ceiling or a ceiling receptacle box will require an inspection to ensure that you can use it to install a light fixture.
Do fans cover plaster?
The fan will completely cover it once the canopy cover goes on. Just take extra care to balance the fan well, as any shaking is likely to crack the plaster. Good fans come with some weights to fine tune them, and usually don't need much adjustment.
Can you mount a pancake box with plaster?
You should not try to mount such a box with just plaster mounted fasteners. You may want to consider steel joist hangers for your crossbeam. Sure, just get a fan-rated pancake box. They look like any other 8-B pancake box, but have 10/32 screws with reinforced holes.
Why is it important to support a ceiling fan?
Supporting a ceiling fan properly is important to avoid personal injury and damage to your house. There are several acceptable ways to support a ceiling fan, including special boxes designed with straps or fastening the box to wood blocking.
What is the minimum weight required for a ceiling fan?
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. The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations.
Do ceiling fans have to be mounted on one side?
Ceiling boxes in older homes may not have special fan boxes. Instead, the carpenters who framed the ceiling may have added a block between the ceiling joists upon which the box is mounted. The box should have been fastened with screws to the bottom of the block. If the box is mounted on only one side or with nails it should not be used as is.
