Ceiling Fan Support Boxes Explained

"How do I know if this box will support a fan?" In this video, I answer this very common question that I receive in comments on my videos.
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[@jonathanhorowitz2514]

Showing what we would see in Home Depot is a great touch. That is usually has more frustration that wires in the ceiling box!

[@bullmoose71]

Thank you for walking us through everything -- from installing the bracket to the wiring. I have a ceiling box like that and had an idea that the inside those slots was wood, but you confirmed it for me. Thanks :)

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@1ashannatedder751]

Fantastic video!! Very clear directions, no fluff, straight to the point & I love the Home Depot examples! Thank you!!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@perfectnumber7783]

Love the video. I’ve watched countless home repair videos and yours is the very best I’ve seen. I’m now a subscriber and will go nowhere else. I’m kind of a handyman as well I have lots of construction experience when I was younger but it’s always great to have a second opinion on what I am doing. Thank you 🙏

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@lordterrin]

Thanks for much for this. I'd watched several videos that did not go into detail on boxes, and whether or not they were meant for fans. I have a box that looks exactly like the one in the first part of your videos - oblong shaped holes instead of standard circular "screw" holes, and I was confused as to where I screwed things into. Your video really helped me understand!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@lizabethhoffman5504]

Thank you! I had a side saddle box and never even knew they existed. Made me feel more confident to install my fan.

[@handydadtv]

Good! My work here is done.

[@jergervasi3331]

Great video. All the facts, right to the point, no extra filler or BS. Thank you! Subscribing to your Channel now!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@tkskagen]

Steel Rafter Boxes are a MUST HAVE to cope with the Vibrations! Good job.👍

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@peteyflip]

I know I'm a little late but I just watched this video and wanted to say awesome job explaining and showing everything. Excellent video!!!!

[@handydadtv]

Hey thanks 😊

[@ernestleo6284]

Excellent video showing how to determine if you need to install a more secure junction box to support the 15 - 20#'s of a fan/light fixture. I purchased a fan/light junction box with brace kit that I can probably do chin-ups on.

[@handydadtv]

The irony is, most fans aren’t very heavy. I’ve had heavier light fixtures.

[@jnew2162]

Your video was very concise and to the point. Thank you for explaining the different types of boxes.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful.

[@eleet321]

Your voice is very relaxing and the way that you explain things is super helpful for beginners like me. Thanks for the video !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@AliAllawala]

Went through dozens of videos before I found the answer in your video for the pancake box I had in my house. THANK YOU!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@JV-we6vr]

I've installed fans before but as they say you learn something new everyday as I've done here, thanks for clear explanation, nice job, made a new subscriber

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@RiotStarter27]

Your video on installing a ceiling fan in your daughter's apartment in Florida brought me here. I hope she is still working for the mouse. I'm a CM in California. So we're practically long distance cousins. Lol. Anyways i loved the videos and they helped a lot with some questions i had. Thanks for the great content.

[@handydadtv]

Thankfully we convinced Julie and Josh to leave Florida in 2018 or they’d be unemployed right now. They lived in our basement for a year and bought a foreclosure last year. We’ve been fixing it up in a series called The Living Flip on my channel. You should check it out! I installed that same ceiling fan in their new house.

[@davidedwards1511]

This is so helpful, giving me a lot of peace of mind in checking my chandelier box. Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@Jewels1]

Thanks for the video it helped me feel more confident on installing a fan in my room :)

[@handydadtv]

Mission accomplished! Thanks for the comment. 👍🏻

[@houstonbrown9529]

I have not found anyone like you you’re amazing thanks

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi, I am a subscriber of yours and also live in the UK so as you said the wiring is different even including the colours of the wires, to make things more complicated (and we know government love to change things) the wire colours have been changed and if you are in an older house this can cause confusion as brown replaces red and blue replaces black, thankfully they have made the earth wire from green to green and yellow. By the way I do enjoy your videos, sorry about the hum, mine works great without any noise.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks John

[@nietadepanaderoanahoguimar4131]

Thanks 🙏🏼 I was looking for this information due that I have exactly the same ceiling fan support box in my house and I wasn’t sure to install my ceiling fan. Thanks again. Tomorrow I will install mine. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 ☕️☕️☕️

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@SandroGigApps]

Thank you! Going to watch a few more videos to get completely comfortable with the process and then I'll tackle this with some help from my brother!

[@handydadtv]

Agreed. You need to be comfortable. Or call a handyman.

[@3MrFlores]

Exactly what I needed to learn. Great video! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

This latest one covers how to add different kinds of boxes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3NlqmonruJfJY

[@PlacidoJ]

Very good explanation and breakdown. Subscribed!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@elborro444]

Very helpful and answered my questions!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@rosalieflores]

Thank you for such thorough explanation.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@bernadettepesce773]

Very informative video, very well explained. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ttfweb1]

A picture of a fan, sent by a fan - fandemonium.

[@handydadtv]

Fantastic!!

[@baratp298]

@@handydadtv hey , I like the fan , could you please suggest If it’s fine to install the fan using fan master jr on angled ceiling?

[@handydadtv]

@bhap p - I’m not familiar with that product so please follow the manufacturer instructions.

[@maximilianocalgua1075]

Nice video thanks for showing the different type of support boxes !

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@heroknaderi]

Thank you for this video yes i agree any box that is metal attached to wood is suitable for fans. i like the first box shown as it has a joist righ above that is how it is intended the box just encloses the electrical whilw the joise carries the weight of the fan. and the sencond box you showed is an example of a box thats only for light fixtures. i enjoyed your video, i look foward for more to came.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@saisiddharthanudurupati2848]

Thank you! This was quite helpful!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@netcio]

Thanks so much for a clear and concise video. I have a very similar box to what you show, but I don't see those slots you show on yours. I have a picture of mine and hope I can upload it to show you. I have some odd instructions on possibly where to use the screws, but, again, no slots, just pointers.

[@handydadtv]

Email me [e-mail]

[@malfeitor1]

Exactly the information I was looking for. Thx good sir. ☮️

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@darincatanzarite6230]

Thank you Chriss. I learned a lot from this video man. 👍 great video keep em coming!!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cliffordjones6967]

Great easy to follow video. I had to hit the subscribe button 👍🏽

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@brysonutsler7810]

Great video. Thank you. I have the ancient brown light fixture box that somemeone hung a fan on before me😢 good thing i just removed it from my 2 month olds room! Jeez and i was lost for a bit. I did see they also make an ez brace 101 that you can screw right over the light fixture box. Makes it hold 150. Of course lowes doesnt have it tho.

[@handydadtv]

That EZ Brace only works if you can reach a joist with the screws. In this video, I install and wire 3 different kinds of fan boxes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3NlqmonruJfJY

[@Ravi2412]

Omg you save my day .. I have exact outlet box connecting to joist .. this helped me go to and install

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@bornformission]

Valuable info. very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@DEWITT54LHS]

Very nice video! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure. Thanks for the comment.

[@dzupko5259]

very well done and helpful!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much. Glad it was helpful.

[@mikeshoup3550]

Very well done and helpful video. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@dreamingcode]

Excellent video and review thank you very much for posting it has inspired me the confidence to try this on my own

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@chrisPbacon420]

Wow thanks pops! Great video! Keep it up!!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@haroutiounmoradian5900]

Thank you Master , by far you have the best video ever.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@shanedurrance]

Great video! Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Oz7ki]

Very helpful video. Thank you 🙏

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@ahmedelandaloussi2813]

Thanks Virtual dad for the explanation

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@FknNefFy]

Very helpful thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@YashaHika]

The video I didn't know I needed. Thank you, I need to go buy a brace 😭

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@shawnbengtson2078]

Thank you for this video! Saved me from taking a trip up to the addict or Home Depot

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@bjones8354]

Excellent! TY

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@69alfort18]

U are awesome thanks some videos just show u everything but how to wire it or just do it like we know I'm trying to learn haha and u went beyond with the braces and stuff just what to expect I feel better did my patio one already now my son's room.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@omeedaldalw2048]

This was a great, thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@Fatboy53]

Awesome vid thanks

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Theemikebell]

thank you so much, best virtual dad

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@flex_007]

Very helpful vid.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@JacqueSchaferTrio]

Thank you so much!!!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@adammenken]

Thanks Dad!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@jascogoods]

Great video, right to the point. What is the extra screw for in the Jbox?

[@handydadtv]

I guess a spare.

[@cristy0330]

Thank you for the video! I’m installing my first fan and have a junction box that’s a few inches deep into the ceiling hole. I’m unsure what type of attachment or extension I would need to add so I could mount the fan. Would appreciate any tips or info!

[@handydadtv]

I’ve never had that situation.

[@DJG333]

So helpful

[@handydadtv]

That makes me happy 😊

[@th4827]

Hi thanks for explaining things so simply and clearly. I have ceiling fan light combo that I attempted to install (unsuccessfully). It has a yellow wire with a green line on it. Might this be the ground wire that would be attached to the copper wire from the ceiling?

[@handydadtv]

Yes if you look at the manual, it will probably say the yellow/green wire(s) get connected to ground. Often you can see that wire is physically attached to the metal on the fan. It’s there to prevent shocks.

[@th4827]

👌THANKS!!

[@Mixwell1983]

This was sent to my by "One of my fans" ahhh okay man I'm onto you now 😂😂

[@handydadtv]

😂

[@Alexis-jw3uw]

Hello. Thanks for this video! I have a Legrand Slater ceiling fan plastic mount in my ceiling. When I push on it it moves like the one you should us that was for a light only; however, mind is definitely for a fan. Do these plastic mounts have some “play” movement to them?

[@handydadtv]

Legrand has a nail-on fan box (S120RFAN) that could have a little play when you push on it because of the side mount. It’s not ideal, but it is definitely made for fans and rated for 35 pounds.

[@ridinwithricky6444]

Thank you much. I have the same box, it’s a brand new house, I guess they are cheap. Never saw one like that and I thought they put the wrong box in. Now thanks to you, I will put up the fan👍🏼

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@gabantha1959]

Thanks for the video. After seeing the plastic box (where the rough-in was supposed to be) I got worried :-).

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@johnfreisen661]

I like your video, you cover a lot, I did get a giggle in the first part of the video the actual lag screw to hold the fan bracket is mounted inside the box instead of being used properly and a drywall screw was used instead, improper.(hindsight) As for the boxes. A pan box (pancake box) shown, it is not listed, not marked, and not suitable for use with a ceiling fan. So if you have seen it used, like I have, I note it as improper or violation. NEC 314.27(c) the box shall be listed and marked suitable for the purpose of a Ceiling fan and may not support more than the weight rating. Keep up the videos, so many need this help as electricity hurts, burns, and kills.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@ashtonsaffa9373]

Great video! At 7:34 you jumped straight back into installation and it was hard for me to tell what happened. Did you just screw the bracket into the wood through the ceiling? Any screws going into the support box itself?

[@handydadtv]

Sorry I didn’t show that detail; my intent was to show different kinds of boxes, not how to install a fan. With that box, the mounting screws go through the fan bracket, through the plastic box, and into the ceiling joist.

[@ashtonsaffa9373]

@@handydadtv understood. That’s the box I have and needed to see that first step. Thanks for taking the time to clarify.

[@handydadtv]

Of course! My pleasure!

[@robertmorris3519]

I recently just bought a new home. In the process of the build, I did a "pre drywall" walk through. The builder told me the boxes behind the light fixtures were rated for ceiling fans as well. At the time I didn't think about what weight they could support. Is there a way for me to know that based on just looking at the box after removal of light?

[@handydadtv]

Perhaps the builder’s electrician could tell you?

[@addanametocontinue]

If you go to 3:35 where it's zoomed in on the box, you'll see a lot of words printed on the surface. One of those lines will tell you the weight limits. At least, that's what I see on mine.

[@Vladpryde]

Hi, I have a question. A couple years ago I had 80% of my ceilings completely replaced: new framing/joists, new insulation, new drywall, etc. I had 3 fan boxes mounted on steel fan joists, and one pancake box mounted to the center joist in my living room. The pancake box came with two screws to secure a bracket to the fan box (I think it has rotating tabs to mount lights or fans), but the other three did not come with any. At least, the one in my kitchen didn't, so I imagine the other two (master bedroom and small bedroom) did not either. Also, the fan boxes, except for the pancake box, have tabs rather than screw cylinders. I hope I'm making sense here.... My question is: should the screws to mount the bracket come with the fan box, or the fan itself? And if they are missing, where do I get the screws from? Or does it depend on what box and/or fan you get? For reference, I'm looking at fans from Hunter, Progress Lighting, Minka Aire, and Westinghouse. Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

I think screws come with the box.

[@michaelgillespie8257]

"This was sent to me by one of my....fans..." lol

[@handydadtv]

Good one, eh?

[@addanametocontinue]

Thank you. I watched Home Depot's video on how to install my fan, but the box they had in the video didn't look like the one I have. The one I have looks just like the one in this video, though.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful

[@mr.g937]

I've always been skeptical of any fan box which does not actually screw into anything. Those metal bar ones which have sharp teeth that sink to the studs, who's to say it doesn't slip out in the future? Screws are designed so that it's pretty much impossible to pull them out of the material they are screwed into. So i'd rather try to use a pancake box than one of those, because at least the pancake box will screw into the truss/joist.

[@handydadtv]

I recently used one of the expanding ones and there’s no way it can loosen up unless the joists move. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gae9q3-Aoq-bqrc

[@TheReviewKing909]

So how would you remove the ceiling box that won't hold a fan and replace it with a box that will? I'd love a video.

[@handydadtv]

I’d use one of these kzbin.info/www/bejne/gae9q3-Aoq-bqrc

[@adamplummer2190]

Non contact tester is best for several reasons but don't rely solely. Recently had friend with electrical issues in an old house. There was no grounds. They lost power to multiple things. I went to an outlet first and found non contact tester beeped at the wire, yet had no votlsge on outlets tester. I then found the common/white had power indicating it wasn't getting back to the source. If I had touched the neutral I'd of possible been nailed if the wood was wet enough! Found a loose wire in a light in the wire nut. The wires dint twist inside.

[@handydadtv]

Wow! Glad you found that!

[@Broadway0573]

Hey this is an excellent video and very informative. However I have no red wire going to the light fixture in the living room. But there is a switch how would I go about wiring the fan? It gets hot in the summer and we don't have an AC so a fan is must have in there to circulate air better.

[@handydadtv]

You don't need a red wire. Just connect the fan to the white and black wires in the box. The switch will turn off all power to the fan, including the light if you have one.

[@Broadway0573]

@@handydadtv awesome thanks so much! I'll knock out this project this weekend. 👍

[@perfectnumber7783]

So black and blue to the black and the white to the white right?

[@pullingthestrings5233]

0:52 "this was sent to me by 1 of my fans" even fans want to install fans

[@handydadtv]

I’m a big fan of fans who love fans

[@audreypogue6306]

Thanks for the video! It looks like I have the pancake boxes. Are those rated for really heavy fans? Ty.

[@handydadtv]

They make different kinds. It should have a weight rating stamped on it.

[@audreypogue6306]

@@handydadtv Lol you assume they didn't blow "popcorn" all up into my j boxes 🙄 I'm not sure it's even legible, as you can barely even tell the wire colors apart...so I guess I'll be calling the pros!

[@FernandoRodriguez-ds5ri]

Nice video, but what’s the weight limit on the prolonged box, also I was hoping you’ed explain where the blue wire connects to if you are using the remote. But you should still be able to use the light switch with or without the blue wire, so I like to always connect it to the remote box.

[@handydadtv]

If you have a remote, you want the power to stay on all the time. The remote usually has a wire for the light, which is your blue wire. This may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH6mZ4iOpd1qo9k

[@ronk9830]

I hate it when I find two wall switches, all wired up for separate light and fan operation, and it's wired so the fan and light operate from one switch, and the other switch does nothing...🤔 I don't know how many times I've fixed that for people! I've also corrected the light switch controlling both when power feeds the ceiling box first, making the light switch control the light only, and the internal fan switch operating the fan whether the light is on or not.

[@handydadtv]

I agree!

[@BOSS_805]

What would you do in a situation where you have an existing light fixture that you want to replace with a ceiling fan but the box that's currently in the ceiling is very loose with old wiring and will not support the weight of a fan? And you don't have attic access?

[@handydadtv]

Learn how to patch drywall. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKOqc3SwnMuAfc0

[@c182SkylaneRG]

So I just took the light fixtures down, looked through, and saw wood. I crawled up into the attic, and realized that our light boxes are nailed (with two nails) to a 2x4 (I measured) strung between the joists (1.5 x 5.25, so I'm assuming 2x6?). The 2x4 is attached with two nails through the joist into the end-grain on one end, and a single nail going through the other joist at the other end. I'm wondering how I tell if that's strong enough to hold a fan? The box wiggles a little bit, but not much, and since it's supported by those two nails directly across its middle, it doesn't wiggle up and down, just side-to-side. Thanks for the help!

[@handydadtv]

If they are plastic boxes nailed from the side, they aren’t meant to hold a fan. I would replace them with metal fan boxes that are screwed into wood, or use the kind with the metal claws that expand to grip between the joists. Since you have attic access, these modifications should be easy.

[@c182SkylaneRG]

@@handydadtv Nah, they're metal boxes. We've apparently got 2x4's nailed perpendicular to the ceiling joists, and the boxes are nailed underneath the 2x4's. I looked up shear strengths of nails vs screws, and figured the nails holding the 2x4 are in shear, and thus strong enough, but the nails holding the box are in tension, and needed to be supplemented with screws (which I did). Just to be extra sure, I screwed angle brackets to the 2x4's and joists in the attic (though typing it out, I'm suddenly realizing I might be able to squeeze joist hangers in there, instead of the angle brackets. This is why I like screws...). I took lots of pictures, but there's no way to add pictures to a KZbin comment. :)

[@handydadtv]

Sounds good 👍🏻

[@justinflownow]

Great video thank you. And yet you skipped over a crucial portion at 7:35. Such a bummer you didn’t explain that bracket and the details of HOW you installed it. Ugh. That’s the part I need to know about.

[@handydadtv]

Sorry, this video was intended to show how to identify a fan-safe ceiling box, not how to install a fan. Try this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHXQoX6cjdtsrKc

[@tommarcotte6233]

What is your recommendation for installing a ceiling fan with a new junction box where you can’t access from attic It’s for a mobile home

[@handydadtv]

Either this or you’re going to need to patch the ceiling. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gae9q3-Aoq-bqrc

[@Mixwell1983]

I can tell you as a homeowner when it comes to plumbing and electrical I NEVER get the best case scenario. It's always a typical 30 min job that is one screw up away from becoming an all day job. I've come to accept and embrace those jobs and IF I ever get a BEST CASE SCENARIO I am tickled beyond belief because that rarely happens to me. 😂😂😂

[@handydadtv]

My family makes fun of me for the number of trips I take to Home Depot during a project. Luckily it’s only a couple of miles away.

[@dmacko]

I know this is an older video but when I looked at the box from my light fixture, it was plastic but wouldn't move at all. Does that mean I could install a ceiling fan or replace it with a different outlet box? I can't read what it's rated for, covered in pain from the builders.

[@handydadtv]

I can’t say for sure. You need to make that judgment call yourself or call a professional.

[@gregb7353]

I wouldn't trust the last 4" metal pancake box you showed. While my house had fans in it and they used that exact box and had no issues, I replaced them when I got new fans with a pancake box specifically rated for fans. If you look on the one your showed, it will specifically say "Not fan rated". The rated box costs $1 more and the brackets that take the machine bolts is better reinforced.

[@handydadtv]

Good to know! Thanks.

[@BlackVibeBallsack]

Have you ever known a basic pancake to fail??...I never have..be honest...as long as it's on a ceiling joist or rafter...what are you installing 8ft fans..???

[@gregb7353]

@@BlackVibeBallsack I'm not saying I would pull the fan out and replace the pancake just because of that, but if I'm replacing the fan, I would 100% have some rated for fan pancakes on hand to have the correct one in there. My kids like to run the fans at high speed and the crappy builder grade ones would wobble pretty good. I saw no sign of fatigue when I replaced them, but now they don't wobble and they went from 36" to 70" fans in some rooms. So you have a point, but for $1, I have peace of mind.

[@solarsynapse]

@@BlackVibeBallsack Yes, they fail with fans and after years of use the metal tabs on metal light boxes fail. Lights don't have a continuous motion to "work" the attachment points like fans do. Screws can also pull or creep out of plastic, wood and even metal. A straight hard pull is strong, but millions of vibrations and side loads eventually break things. An out of balance fan can be a serious load.

[@bobmckenna5511]

Great video, i just hired electricians to install / replace one that was done incorrectly. Still like to learn.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@All_ConsumingBandu]

Is Canadian wiring the same as USA wiring? I like how USA wiring is easy, but I'm worried about if I find out it's a lot more complicated here in Canada.

[@handydadtv]

Canada is generally the same as the US. But check local codes.

[@mekj2008]

Regards the 1st box you showed is it really useful or can I connect directly to the stud? I feel like it's getting in the way

[@handydadtv]

You can physically attach to the stud, but the wire connections need to be in an electrical box, so this type of fan box serves both purposes.

[@MonkeDude512]

Hi , do you have a video to see how remove a regular ceiling box and install one of support ceiling fan box? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

No I don’t. Unless you have an attic above, you’ll probably need to cut the drywall to replace the box.

[@user-gc3qg5qe5m]

Hi handyDad, do you have a video on if the fan box is a 4in and your support brackets are 6in?

[@handydadtv]

I’m not sure what you mean by 6in support brackets, but this video could be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3NlqmonruJfJY

[@utubs100]

Hello. Thanks for your video. My fan only has three wires; ground, white and black. But my ceiling outlet has 4 wires. Is it possible to still control the fan and light separately from the wall switch? And should I connect both the red and black from the outlet, to the black from the fan? Thanks!

[@handydadtv]

If your fan has a light, there is usually a blue wire for that on the fan. You should wire the black to black, and the red to blue if you have one. Otherwise, just cap the red one and don’t use it.

[@utubs100]

@@handydadtv Thanks for your response! The fan has a light but doesn’t have the red or blue wire. I’ll cap the red one from the ceiling as you suggested. Thanks again

[@Tyler-nj5dr]

Someone mounted a ceiling fan using drywall anchors?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@handydadtv]

Yeah not smart

[@ianthemechanical829]

Ceiling fans are so nice to have! I recently replaced my light fixture with one and the box looks good for a fan. And the fan is not moving and is secure.

[@handydadtv]

Enjoy that fan!

[@goolash1000]

Any advice on how to install a fan when a light fixture brace like the one you showed is already installed?

[@handydadtv]

It’s best to replace that light box with a fan-rated box if possible. Easiest if you have an attic above. Otherwise you may need to open the drywall.

[@goolash1000]

@@handydadtv I have an attic, but there is a vaulted ceiling between the only access and the room in question, with several feet of blown insulation between. It would be an epic trek to get to it.

[@punchawhale]

Bob Ross of ceiling fans

[@handydadtv]

😂

[@smash72cutlass30]

New code now states all new work installed ceiling boxes must be ceiling fan approved. The code was changed for just this reason people after they moved in took down the cheap builders light and would hang a fan from a cheap non approved plastic box. Fan falls people hurt. Pancakes can or fancake boxes according to code can only have one single 14/2 romex that’s 2 wires and a ground. Anything more violate the box fill requirements. I’ve seen them used a major junction boxes and then wonder why the fan remote kit won’t fit. Love my job.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the info!

[@Matt-qz4cx]

what size wood screws did you use for the fan bracket; I tried using 3 inch wood screw that came with the fan and I am not able to send the screw in completely, thanks for your help; also did you send the screws into the oval shaped holes or did you use any other part of the fan box? I have the exact same fan box installed by my builder

[@handydadtv]

The screws come with the box. You can see one still clipped on the box at 3:34.

[@Matt-qz4cx]

@@handydadtv Thanks for responding, really appreciated. Unfortunately there is no screws in my fan box, most probably whoever installed did not leave it in the box. Did you send the screws into the oval shaped holes or did you use any other part of the fan box?

[@handydadtv]

The slots are intended to let the screw pass through into the joist. You can see the length of the spare screw in my ceiling box is around 2” long. Not sure why your 3” screws won’t grab.

[@Matt-qz4cx]

@@handydadtv Thanks again; I checked the size of the screw that comes with the fan box, you are right it is 2 inch wood screw, I ignored the 3 inch screws came with the fax and bought two 2 inch wood screws and it worked well. I am only guessing 3 inch could not go all the way in because the joist itself is 2 inch thick. nevertheless happy ending. Once again thanks for taking time to respond to the comments.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it worked out for you!

[@solarsynapse]

I think in 1984 they made it illegal to mount a ceiling fan to the ears/tabs of an electrical box. The ceiling fan boxes have long screws that go through the tabs to pull on the top (outside) of the box.

[@handydadtv]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@karimgomez6933]

Just found your channel. Trying to change my light from garage into ceiling fan with my son.We had to put everything back the way it was because those black wires were hidden. Only two white wires and a red one screwed to the white plastic cover. What happens if I swap one white instead of one of those white ones? Thank you

[@handydadtv]

I’m not following.

[@GailUrge-vq6qn]

What white plastic cover?