How to Know Whether a Ceiling Box Will Hold a Fan

Most ceiling boxes are designed to hold stationary fixtures, such as lights. Because of their motion, ceiling fans must be mounted to a ceiling box that is attached to a support strong enough to handle the additional stress. If not, the fan's motion can work the box loose and cause the fan to fall. A quick visual inspection usually can help you determine whether a ceiling box is strong enough to support a ceiling fan.

Tape measure or ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Is the ceiling box metal or plastic? A fan should not be mounted to a plastic box because its motion can cause the plastic to crack.
- 2
  Determine whether the ceiling box is connected to a solid piece of the building. The boxes must be mounted directly to a beam, stud or joist.
- 3
  Find the mounting screws for the ceiling box. The screws must attach the box directly to the supporting structure through the box's interior or by mounting brackets in at least two spots on the box's exterior.
- 4
  Measure the ceiling box's depth. It should be recessed a minimum of 1/8 of an inch into the ceiling for proper support.

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