6

I went to replace a ceiling fan on a cathedral ceiling in my house yesterday, and upon removing the old fan I noticed that there is no electrical box where the fan was mounted. The fan was hung from a ceiling joist with romex running to the location, and the wiring was done underneath the fan's mounting bracket and canopy cover. It looks like the replacement fan would be wired in the same area, so does it matter if there's no electrical box under the drywall? If so, why?

enter image description here

Improve this question
0

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
13

Electrical boxes serve several functions. They protect wiring where insulation has been removed. They prevent inadvertent contact with exposed components. They contain sparks when the worst occurs. And they provide standard mounting points for fixtures.

I'd be inclined to "code things up" with a wraparound box like so:

enter image description here

Nonmetallic ceiling joist box for ceiling fans. 4'' diameter x 2 1/8'' deep, 12.0 cu. in. 4 clamps, 2 1/2'' knockouts. Maximum fixture weight is 150 lb., maximum fan weight is 70 lb. Exceeds National Electrical code requirements. Recommended for earthquake areas.

Improve this answer
6
  • 2
    That looks promising. Just to make sure I understand how this would work - so the screw in the middle mounts the box to the joist and the vertical slots are where the fixture would mount to the box (and presumably, into the joist as well)? Then I'm guessing the wiring would need to be packed into the openings on the left or right side?
    – Jonathan
    Jan 15, 2016 at 18:18
  • 1
    Correct, though your fan shroud probably leaves additional space, so you may be able to lay wires above (below) the joist ridge. Ideally the connectors will get poked into the box itself.
    – isherwood
    Jan 15, 2016 at 18:20
  • Good info, thanks. I'm hoping that the size of the box along with the existing hole won't require any drywall patching, but this seems like a good approach.
    – Jonathan
    Jan 15, 2016 at 18:25
  • This is exactly what I'd do. +1
    – Comintern
    Jan 15, 2016 at 18:25
  • 1
    There are UL listed boxes, like these, sold at most hardware stores. Specifically for ceiling fans.
    – TFK
    Jan 15, 2016 at 18:33
3

As far as code goes, the wiring must be done in a box and that box must be rated to support the weight of the fan. It's not code compliant if it were to be inspected.

But on to what this means to you, since most likely an inspector wouldn't check it.. You could say that the joist will support the fan and that the wires are secured, but if any were to come loose it could cause a fire since there isn't a box to protect it. That's about it.

I have this exact thing done under one of my ceiling fans in my new house and it seems to be a common issue. I've not gotten around to fixing it and it most likely won't ever cause a fire, but it would still be safer to pay a couple dollars and prevent it in any case.

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    And in case you think the wires will not come loose, remember that a ceiling fan, by design, contains moving parts. They cause vibrations which, over time, may cause a wire to come loose out of a wire nut. I would definitely want a box to contain any sparks, and if made of metal, force a short to ground which will trip a breaker.
    – user4302
    Jan 15, 2016 at 19:55
  • @Snowman What of the sort of boxes that isherwood pointed out above being made of plastic. What happens in that case?
    – Jonathan
    Jan 15, 2016 at 20:18
  • 2
    @JoshStone The metal would prevent a ground fault of the wires themselves by allowing the fault and causing the breaker to trip. Plastic doesn't conduct the electricity through it and so if a wire were to come loose, it wouldn't trip a breaker, but it wouldn't burn anything other than the box as it's still protected and your device wouldn't work. --- One way allows the fault but stops it, the other way just blocks out the possibility of a fault.
    – TFK
    Jan 15, 2016 at 20:21
0

I would not recommend remounting the fan the way it was installed.

There are inexpensive and easy to install remodel solutions that address this very easily. I'd recommend a box that hangs in-between the joists, such as:

Commercial Electric 15.3 cu. in. Remodel Construction Ceiling Fan Brace with 1-1/2 in. Box

Remodel Construction Ceiling Fan Brace

Assuming your ceiling is just drywall, you can use a 4" to 4-3/8" hole saw to drill a hole between the joists, then snake the support bracket up through the hole, extend into place, then attach the electrical box to it. It is typically a pretty smooth process, and with a little patience, won't require you to get into the attic at all, nor roll around in fiberglass.

FWIW, I recently discovered the "grit-based" hole saws for cutting through plaster. I would strongly recommend these if you have plaster walls or ceilings - I learned this after ruining a couple hole saws cutting through 1.5" plaster recently.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.