Submitted by I_am_beast55 t3_11v3liw in DIY
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Comments
zedsmith t1_jcri77h wrote
Structurally it should be fine. It’s almost definitely aggressively screwed into framing.
They’re a retake nuisance to install many fans on for a couple of reasons though. I’ve never had good luck with fans that had big radio receivers that come with remote control fans. There’s just too many wires to fit within the space of the pancake box.
Technically, according to the electrical code, that 4 inch pancake box is too small to accommodate 3 conductors plus ground, but it’s a bit of the code that’s routinely ignored.
danauns t1_jcrowv8 wrote
No, and the advice here that says you can is wrong. Pancake boxes are not rated for fans.
What you can do is mount your fan bracket to the same wood/structure that the pancake box is screwed to.
Do not hang the fan from the box alone.
Do hang the fan bracket up through the box, into the structure above.
danauns t1_jcrpky2 wrote
No, and the advice here that says you can is wrong. Pancake boxes are not rated for fans.
What you can do is mount your fan bracket to the same wood/structure that the pancake box is screwed to.
Do not hang the fan from the box alone.
Do hang the fan bracket up through the box, into the structure above.
cbryancu t1_jcrro82 wrote
No it's not going to hold the weight over time. Looks like that box is on joist. You can use if IF you run proper size screws for fan weight thru the mounting plate, thru box and into wood, so that the mounting plate is fastened to wood.
They have boxes for ceiling fans that are shaped to go over joist, but it will be centered on the joist and I cannot tell from picture if that what you have. If it is you can just replace the box.
UseABiggerHammer t1_jcrsihe wrote
That looks like the mounting plate for your fan off to the side of your photo. See if the mounting holes will adjust outward past the sides of the box. This box is likely screwed into your ceiling framing with those four silver screw heads that run in a line through the middle of it. Following that line past the sides of your box, use 3" construction screws to run through the mounting plate and between the outside edge of the box and your drywall. They should find the ceiling framing. Mounting like that would be secure enough to hang any ceiling fan from.
Wahoo017 t1_jcs1kwb wrote
No it is not a ceiling fan box. Will it hold one? Hard to say. But it was never meant to.
I_am_beast55 OP t1_jcs3rgb wrote
Okay thanks. I put in shorter screws like you said. It seems to be holding but only time will tell. The fan is much lighter than the old fan which presumably was up since the 70s. So cross fingers :).
GrimResistance t1_jcs8pc8 wrote
This is not a fan rated box. A fan rated box would have 10-24 screws and screw posts or double ears. https://imgur.com/ldUwkw1.jpg
Don't just cross your fingers on this, you can get a fan rated pancake or saddle box and they're not very expensive.
S05TL t1_jcs99cj wrote
Wow, with some of the responses of it being unable to support a simple exhaust fan. Yes, that’s, standard install, though I’m not sure where the duct is. Also, looks like you have a connection for the fan and the light (red and black). Not sure if you have two switches or if spliced together both turn on with a single switch. Regardless, most of the “oh no you can’t do that” like you have a 1,000 pound fan is wrong.
I_am_beast55 OP t1_jcs9e9n wrote
Okay I'm headed to the store tomorrow. I have 4 to replace altogether
gravy-is-wet-bread t1_jctbai1 wrote
looks good from my house
clemclem3 t1_jcu8juy wrote
The ones telling you to mount the ceiling fan bracket directly into the joist are correct. This solution will be stronger and safer than any "fan-rated" box you can buy. Use 2.5 or 3" construction screws and make sure they are solidly into the joist
Most fan mounting brackets have slots on either side so there is plenty of space to put the screws just outside the pancake box.
Avoid using the little metal tabs inside the pancake box. They are not strong enough and over time there can be metal fatigue because fans do wobble and vibrate.
Perused t1_jcreiwc wrote
It looks like a pancake style electric box that is screwed to the rafter above it..It should hold a fan. Also, notice how shallow the box is. When you go to mount the mounting bracket for the fan (two screw) make sure they are not too long and bottom out on the box. You may have to buy shorter machine screws.