Posted: 1/25/2014 7:13:27 AM EDT
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I bought a new Hunter ceiling fan which has a mount to either affix using junction box with screws or direct into wood supports/framing with long wood screws. My problem is, the junction box is a Cantex 20, which I just looked up and says not for use with Ceiling Fans and only for weight up to 50lb fixture. The ceiling fan instructions says the junction box should be able to hold 70lbs.
The mount is such that I could use a wood screw into the joist and also use one of the metal screws into the junction box. The ceiling fan cover plate is large enough that it looks like it will cover up the junction box .I dont like doing things like that, but it seems like my only solution as I cannot get into the ceiling to add additional support. I didn't want this to turn into a big project so if their isn't an easy fix, I'll just return the fan and get a light. Any suggestions? |
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Lol, I JUST installed a new hunter fan last Saturday in my son's room, so I even know the instructions you are talking about.
So, the electrical box that's installed in his room is rated for ceiling fans, and I was swapping out an old one. The problem I had was the mud-plate on the box had mounting screws that were too narrow for the new fan mounting plate. I ended up cutting the drywall to expose the mud-plate screws and backed them out, replaced them with larger screws and backup locking nuts inside the junction box. I couldn't use the wood screws into a joist because the box is slung between joists. If the box you have isn't rated, I'd replace it with a remodel fan box. They sell them at Lowes and Home Depot. Basically, you pull the old box out, make sure you done loose the electrical wires, tie/electric tape some string to keep them from getting lost. In the hole, you pass up a spanning bar that tightens when you screw it. Think of one of those telescoping shower bars to hold up a curtain. This units have sharp spikes on the feet so that they bite into the wood face of the joists on either side. Once you have it firmly mounted, you screw in the replacement box and pull the electrical wires back in and lock them down. Not impossible, but my experience you'll need a lot of cuss word lubrication, but you can get it...makes it possible, but a lot longer a task to be sure. Example Old Work box |
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Quoted:
Lol, I JUST installed a new hunter fan last Saturday in my son's room, so I even know the instructions you are talking about. So, the electrical box that's installed in his room is rated for ceiling fans, and I was swapping out an old one. The problem I had was the mud-plate on the box had mounting screws that were too narrow for the new fan mounting plate. I ended up cutting the drywall to expose the mud-plate screws and backed them out, replaced them with larger screws and backup locking nuts inside the junction box. I couldn't use the wood screws into a joist because the box is slung between joists. If the box you have isn't rated, I'd replace it with a remodel fan box. They sell them at Lowes and Home Depot. Basically, you pull the old box out, make sure you done loose the electrical wires, tie/electric tape some string to keep them from getting lost. In the hole, you pass up a spanning bar that tightens when you screw it. Think of one of those telescoping shower bars to hold up a curtain. This units have sharp spikes on the feet so that they bite into the wood face of the joists on either side. Once you have it firmly mounted, you screw in the replacement box and pull the electrical wires back in and lock them down. Not impossible, but my experience you'll need a lot of cuss word lubrication, but you can get it...makes it possible, but a lot longer a task to be sure. Example Old Work box Thanks! You just saved me an afternoon of cussing and screaming, not to mention the money I'm getting back when I return the ceiling fan LOL. Thats a job I have no problem doing, if I had to, but I dont. The ceiling fan was a want and the effort and cost far exceeds the amount of effort I'm willing to put in on this room. Good to know that bracket exists though. I'll just install a normal ceiling light. By the way, I have installed a few other ceiling fans and they all say 5 minute install. Same with this one. Who the heck is getting these installed in 5 minutes? It takes 10 minutes just to unwrap everything. |
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They are miserable liars! 5 minutes in a static warp bubble maybe....
Yep, it takes time to unpack everything, but try when you're replacing an old one! God it seemed like it took me forever to take the old one down. But see I'm a little too Ahab I guess. The fan tasks me and I shall have it! I always start projects like this by nailing a gold coin to the wall. |
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If you have a joist right next to your hole or replacing one that is, try using the Westinghouse side mount box. It's two piece and the mount to the joist can be done through the same 4 inch hole. I installed without any issues and works great. Rated for ceiling fans. SideMount Saf-T-Box EDIT TO ADD: They also have a 1 1/2 inch deep box if you need something more shallow. http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-Lighting-0125000-Sidemount-Plus/dp/B0002YV8NM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1 |
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Quoted:
If you have a joist right next to your hole or replacing one that is, try using the Westinghouse side mount box.It's two piece and the mount to the joist can be done through the same 4 inch hole. I installed without any issues and works great. Rated for ceiling fans. SideMount Saf-T-Box http://www.westinghouselighting.com/lighting-accessories/light-fixture-accessories/support-braces-and-boxes/sidemount-plus-fan-box-0125011.aspx http://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-2-1-8-in-Side-mount-Plus-Fan-Box-0124000/204845557 http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-Lighting-0125011-Sidemount-Packed/dp/B0002YV5XA EDIT TO ADD: They also have a 1 1/2 inch deep box if you need something more shallow. http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-Lighting-0125000-Sidemount-Plus/dp/B0002YV8NM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1 Thanks for the info. Another good solution that I didnt know existed. Not sure which one would work better for this space. I already returned the fan and installed a normal flushmount, but may get both of these in the summer and try my luck with a fan. Have a few other rooms that this would work good in too. Builder was so cheap. Couple more bucks and all the boxes could have been fan ready. |