Install Ceiling Fan Box Between Joists

Home ceiling fans need the proper support to be safe for use.

Install ceiling fan box between joists.

Remove the old electrical box from the ceiling. A brace between the joists strong enough to support a fan. The new metal ceiling fan box came with a right angle bracket for mounting from the side. To hang your fan where there is an existing fixture but no ceiling joist you can install 2x blocking between ceiling joists or alongside a ceiling joist and then mount the fan box to the blocking.

If it s suspended from a bar you may have to take off a metal plate to unscrew the box. If it s nailed to a joist pry it free with a flat bar. Here s the simple steps we followed to install the ceiling mount box. The box is usually metal.

Then pry the bar from the joists. Cut a 2x4 to this length and attach a new fan rated outlet box to the midpoint using deck screws. A standard unsupported circuit box doesn t have enough strength to hold a ceiling lamp. How to install a ceiling fan box between joists.

If not replace it with a fan rated junction box and a fan brace between the ceiling joist to help support the fan s weight. Make the location between joists not on a joist. Inspect the existing junction box to make sure it s rated for ceiling fans. Hold a 1 2 inch thick pancake box against the ceiling centered on a joist and trace around it with a pencil.

How to install a ceiling fan between joists. The ends terminate with a circular metal component with spikes that dig into the joists on both ends. How to install a ceiling fan https youtu be 8ri8hh624mm. Working in the unfinished attic space above the new fixture location measure the distance between the two nearest ceiling joists.

Place the open side of the ceiling junction box that came with an expandable brace kit against the ceiling where you want the box installed. The family handyman editor in chief gary wentz will show you how to remove an old light and install a ceiling fan brace so you can properly install a new c.