Advice on Mounting Ceiling Fan Box

Submitted by randyb00bandy t3_yx1ufe in DIY

Have a question regarding ceiling fan box mounting that I'm hoping someone can chime in on.

I'm trying to install a new ceiling fan box in my ceiling, and the ceiling is a plaster ceiling from the 70s so you're talking over 1" of plaster/board tacked on to 1x3 strapping which is then tacked on to the 2x8 ceiling joists.

I'm using a new/old work fan rated metal Raco box but the mount can't be fixed to the joist and be flush with the ceiling. It's off by 1-2 inches because of the gap caused by the plaster + strapping board.

My current idea is to attach a roughly 8" section of 2x6 and sister it vertically to the 2x8 ceiling joist with about 9 Simpson strong tie 3" structural screws and then attach the fan box bracket to the bottom end of 2x6 section so I can mount the box flush with the ceiling.

Anyone see any issue with this idea or have a better solution? I can't lag the box directly into the joist from the bottom because it would stick out too much below the ceiling surface.

Some posts I've read suggest that adding in framing to attach the box is a good method. This is more about structural rigidity than it is electrical, but I figure someone has dealt with this. From what I've read there are extensions for the box but they're not really rated to hold a fan. I've found this one here, but not sure it's even compatible or a preferable option to extend the framing.

Is it better to build out the framing as I described? Other ideas? Can't seem to find a consistent solution to this issue which I imagine has come up before. Thanks!

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Sheffieldsvc t1_iwmgplg wrote

Have you considered one of these? You would still need to extend the box itself

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randyb00bandy OP t1_iwmkmc3 wrote

Thanks for the input. I think that would put me in the same position as I'd have to extend the box downwards, which I can do with the current box I have. Neither HD nor Lowe's carry an extension in store.

It's also not new work and maybe I could get that type of box in with an extension bit. But it doesn't solve my issue as far as I can tell.

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jackson71 t1_iwmxgmf wrote

I couldn't get your link to work.

My first thought is to go to electrical supply house and get a fan rated extension ring.

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mukansamonkey t1_iwmxt1x wrote

You're overthinking this a bit. It's only an extra thick electrical box, the fan itself is held on by two screws. A two by six board with three or four big screws should be plenty of strength. Just make sure the board is snug against the joist so there is no trouble with vibration long term.

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randyb00bandy OP t1_iwn1z8j wrote

Thank you. I'd rather over engineer it than the other way around and have it fall down and rip the electrical connections apart!

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GingerJacob36 t1_iwnhpbh wrote

4 is fine. 6 is overkill. 9 is ridiculous. Put 1 screw tight into a short board and see how many people would need to hang on it to pull it off.

I bet you'll figure it out! Sounds like you're on a good path.

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randyb00bandy OP t1_iwo61hp wrote

Just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something stupid but I think you're right! Appreciate you commenting.

I ended up using 6 screws on a 2x4 since I didn't have a great space to fit a 2x6. Seems solid I'll let you know if it falls down 😂

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GingerJacob36 t1_iwoco5a wrote

I'd be comfortable putting about 500 pounds on a 2x4 screwed directly into a joist. I'd be worried more about the joist sagging than the screws or 2x4 failing. I think you'll be all set, lol.

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