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Hey all, was hoping someone on here would have some insight for me. I recently bought a 2014 build wood frame condo and wanted to switch out my light fixtures in the living room and bedroom with a ceiling fan. I had read online that you could usually tell by looking at the box if it would support a fan, but when I took the light off I don't see anything that would suggest anything. Curious if these pictures show anything? Thanks
https://i.imgur.com/tfsMenr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/U3P9R1d.jpg
Your answer is no. People LOVE to hang fans from these type of light fixtures but its just not that safe.
You can get a joist hanger that takes the load off these but they take a bit of work but are way more secure.
i've done it a bunch of times and not had issues, th drywall supports it as well not just the box.
One side of the box should be fastened to some wood. I usually run a screw through the box into the wood for extra support. Haven't had a problem yet.
long story short, yes, you can make it work. but it depends.
If that box is mounted directly underneath a joist or beam, you can attach to the box in most cases. if the box is mounted adjacent to a joist or beam, no, you can't without bracing the box from above first, or on the opposite side. Without that additional bracing, it can cause the box to flex downwards, or the vibrations can cause more damage.
Overall, fairly easy install if you are somewhat handy. If you have to install extra bracing though, it will usually require cutting of the ceiling drywall (unless you have attic access), and then repair after, and you will never get the texture to match 100%.
I can't tell from the picture. Are there screws in the side of the box that would tell you the box is mounted adjacent to the joint? Sometime light fixtures are mounted with hangar bars. You know that's the case if there is a screw in the top center of the box. Some hanger bars can support the weight. Most can't. If the screws are in the side, going into wood, I would mount a fan. Just have 4 screws into the wood.
Think you will be fine. Looking closely it seems like you got screws going straight through the box bottom into something wooden. If there isn't 4 screws, add a couple more and hang your fan. I have done this numerous times and have 2 fans in the house mounted right to the box, no issues.
Thanks for the replies. I opened it back up today to get another look at it. It doesn't appear to have any screws going into any of the sides, it looks like it has about 4 screws going straight up through to the top of it. The threaded rod doesn't actually go into the box, it's just mounted with the 2 machine screws on the sides of it.
https://imgur.com/NhgOFLg
https://imgur.com/0KYv7uT
https://imgur.com/RZRfPWP
As stated previously, you will be fine hanging your fan on there.
Well, without actually seeing it in person, the photos you posted and what you have described, you are A-OK to hang a ceiling fan there.Quote:
Originally Posted by relyt92