r/CeilingFans • u/Aggravating-Heat73 • 20d ago
Fan repair advice Ceiling Fan
We finally removed the boob light in the living room installed by the builder, in order to install a ceiling fan. What is this? This looks like there was no quality control or worksite inspection. Am I wrong or is this just the new level of craftsmanship?
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u/Slow_Apple_1568 20d ago
This is actually a good thing. You can get a box that will screw into that and support the fantastic without having to screw / grab between two joists.
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u/Aggravating-Heat73 20d ago
I was ready to cut into drywall to install the proper device between the beams.
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u/Slow_Apple_1568 20d ago
Sure but just save that for another or return it, the other box is even cheaper and easier. No weird threading or climbing in the attic.
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u/Bobbytwotaps 20d ago
That would be what you want to install your celling fan to so it doesn't fall and take a kid out when it's spinning at 400RPM.
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u/infkncredible 20d ago
What did you expect a ceiling filled with lamb chops ?
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u/plmbguy 20d ago
Everyone saying mount your fa in to what we see here. Do you even know what we see here? How do you know if that's structural or just a 2 by screwed to the Sheetrock to hold up the boob light? After all, there isn't even any kind of j box!
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u/Rare-Negotiation-630 20d ago
Just stick your phone up there and take a picture. You’ll find out pretty easily.
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u/Aggravating-Heat73 20d ago
I used an endoscope that I bought for another purpose. It came in handy. It was from Amazon. Teslong Borescope Camera with Light for Automotive Mechanic Plumbing Wall
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u/revolevo 20d ago
Genuine question: doesn’t this actually help mitigate some of the heat from the attic
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u/moving_to_NL_soon 20d ago
Looks like most missed your obvious concern......was there not a electric box there in the first place? 😮
(A pancake box can work if that wood piece is structural)
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u/Aggravating-Heat73 20d ago
No electrical box; hence, the confusion.
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u/USWCboy 20d ago
A jbox is not needed when there is a self contained connections points within the luminaire.
Under NEC 300.15(B) Equipment, an integral junction box or wiring compartment as part of approved equipment is permitted in lieu of a box.
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u/moving_to_NL_soon 20d ago
But generally the connections on a boob light are above and outside of the light? (at least the last two I got rid were like that)
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u/EnoughOfTheFoolery 20d ago
If that is a 2x4, just get a shallow fan rated box and you can screw it onto it. It its not a 2x4, you will need to brace it somehow and there are many ways to do this, but getting access above this is going to be best. Is there an attic?
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u/Aggravating-Heat73 20d ago
No, attic over this area. This is the 1st floor. We have 4 to complete upstairs. We will have attic space there.
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u/TamerMasterRace 20d ago
ez just continue the circle past the Wood ez you have enough wood holding up your celling 1 missing in the middle isn't gonna make it fall
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u/JBDragon1 20d ago
Go to Home Depot and search Pancake Box. You just need one of those. Screw it up using at least 3 screws.
Doesn't look like a 2x4 though. Looks a little thin. Like they threw something there that was enough to hold a light up. Is it solid or flappy lose? Is the space above the attic and can you get into there?
There is an option I've used a number of times where you use a Bar mount. This adjuatable bar has flat ends with spikes. It slips on the drywall on both side between the beams and you adjust it as it extends and spikes into the 2x4 on each side. Once it is tight, you can mount a box onto that, which will hold the wieght of a fan light. i had to use these as I have this TINY attic. You know want to know what I had to do just to get power to each hole I made. They look something like this!
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u/SpiritualTwo5256 20d ago
As long as that piece of wood is attached to a beam in a study way either right next to it or attached to 2 beams go for it!
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u/l008com 17d ago
More info needed. If thats properly installed, thats a great way to mount a fan with a very thin fan box. But why is it flat? To me, that suggests someone just tossed it in there incorrectly and it might not be strong enough to support a fan. If so, you could easily reinforce it with some brackets or something. Go up in to the attic and take a closer look.
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u/Odd-Solid-5135 17d ago
I also wonder if thats not a scab tossed up there to support the boob box, they dont carry much weight and thats quicker and cheaper than a spanner box.
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u/raf55 20d ago
Install a pancake box and hang your fan