Ceiling Fan installation advice

Hi, and TIA for any help.

I'm attempting to install a new ceiling fan. I bought the special bracket for support, but when I went into the attic today here's what I found. The current electric box is metal and octagonal, and is mounted to a 2X4 (via a mounting bracket with four nails). The two by four runs perpendicular to the joists and is held in with four nails as well. I was going to try to replace the nails with screws, but due to space limitations I couldn't get the strength to remove them without destroying the box. They extend all the way through the 2X4 so I pounded them down at right angles, to make it more secure. I couldn't budge the 2X4. The question is do you think this is secure enough? The fan weighs about 20 pounds, 44" blades. It seems very secure, but nails just tend to worry me.

Doug

Reply to
delphiprog
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I forgot to mention the 2X4 is to the left of the electric box, it is not above it.

Reply to
delphiprog

If you can't budge the 2x4, it should be fine. If it would make you feel better, add a couple screws inside the box and into the 2x4. The current situation sounds like the electrical box was mounted securely, and to code for installing a ceiling fan. A 20-pound fan is not particularly heavy.

Reply to
Phisherman

It sounds to me like the existing box may already be a fan support box. If it is it will say so inside the box. The big difference between fan support boxes and standard boxes is that fan boxes use 10/32 screws for mounting the fan bracket. Standard boxes use 8/32 screws. Since the box is secure, I'd do what the other post suggested and run something through the box either into the 2x4 or add another piece of 2x4 directly over the box

Reply to
RBM

Here is an option to make it more secure. Cut a piece of 2 X

4 to span the two joists above the box. Drill a 3/16 hole or two through the 2 X 4 that will line up with holes in the box. Use 3/16" threaded rod and nuts to support the box.

Frank

Reply to
Frank K.

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