Ceiling fans may be mounted to an box if the box is properly secured and can support a fan. Unfortunately, plastic electrical boxes, the type most commonly used in household construction are not rated as capable of supporting a ceiling fan.
Metal boxes, if properly rated, may be used provided they are properly installed. Boxes supporting fans must be attached to a stud or framing member, or supported by a T-strap bracket mounted across the top of two rafters. See the Resources section for a sample of approved boxes.
Instructions
1. Turn of the electricity at the circuit breaker to the circuit and remove the existing light fixture.
2. Examine the ceiling box that is currently installed. If the box is plastic, continue on to Step 3.
If the box is metallic and can support a ceiling fan, it must be anchored to a framing member or rafter by a minimum of four screws. These screws should be size #8 or larger with at least one-inch of the screw anchored inside of a wood beam.
If these screws are not present, add them to the box. Verify that the mounting holes of the ceiling fan match the holes in the metallic box, and install the fan per manufacturer's instructions.
If there are no framing members available, continue to Step 3.
3. Remove the existing box.
4. Buy a ceiling mount fan-rated electric box, which is available at most home centers. Verify that the mounting holes on your fan match those on the electric box.
There are two types of boxes available. One type is designed to be anchored to a framing member or stud, while the other is designed to be suspended from a metal bracket that fits over the top of the rafters. Choose the model that will be easiest to install.
There are ceiling fan boxes of both types designated as old-work or remodel boxes. You can install this type without widening the existing hole. While these can be a little tougher to install, they are worth the effort to eliminate the need to repair drywall.
If you choose a box designed to be mounted to a rafter, you may have to measure, cut and add additional 2x4 pieces of wood. It is impossible to do this without removing and repairing drywall.
5. Mount the new box, using wood screws or other fasteners as recommended by the electrical box manufacturer.
6. Mount the fan to the electrical box per the manufacturer's instructions.
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