If it's not labeled, the box is still required to support at least 50 lbs. Consequently, to hang one you need a support system consisting of a metal box attached to blocking or metal rods that you can secure to the ceiling joists. Screw in all the screws or your fan won’t be stable. Turn the screws on the junction box clockwise to clamp it securely to the drywall. Install a plastic "old-work" ceiling junction box if your fixture weighs 10 pounds or less. To learn how to test your new ceiling fan, read on! Ceiling fans not only weigh more than light fixtures, but they vibrate, which adds to the downward force exerted on the box. Pull the electrical cable from the box. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. If you can't hang your fan, have someone hold it in place for you as you install it. Install a plastic replacement ceiling box that's rated for 50 pounds. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Turn the breaker on after you connect the fixture to the wires and secure it to the box. References. Slip the hanger bar into the ceiling opening and hand-twist the bar until the ends touch the ceiling joists. Verify that all of the wires inside the box are turned off by touching them with a non-contact voltage tester. Drive nails or wood screws through the openings on the bar hanger ends for added support. After this, strip the ends of the wires so the copper ends are exposed. Gangable device box 3 inch x 2 inch x 3 inch deep, 15.0 cubic inches With NMD90 cable clamps. Pull the box from the ceiling. We sell a wide variety of styles including, mission, rustic & farmhouse, nautical designs with caged lights, contemporary models, dual ceiling fans and more. If the fixture weighs less than about 5 pounds, it's possible to substitute a remodeling box, which anchors directly to the drywall. Strike the ends of the bar hanger with a hammer to drive the hanger's metal prongs into the joists. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Either way, the front edge of the box should emerge through the ceiling flush with the drywall so you can screw on the fan's mounting brackets. Slip the bolt through the opening in the back of the box. Pull the bar hanger through the ceiling opening. Last Updated: November 7, 2019 You may want to wear thick gloves to prevent yourself from getting cut on the copper. Remove the box from the ceiling. (A) Boxes at Luminaire Outlets. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,420 times. Continue turning the bar clockwise with an adjustable wrench until the bar no longer turns. If the box is supported by a bar hanger, remove the screws from the back of the electrical box that hold the box to the bar. If the fixture was light enough to use a plastic remodeling box, the old box will definitely have to go.