Hold a 1 2 inch thick pancake box against the ceiling centered on a joist and trace around it with a pencil.
Install ceiling fan box between joists.
If it s suspended from a bar you may have to take off a metal plate to unscrew the box.
Then pry the bar from the joists.
A standard unsupported circuit box doesn t have enough strength to hold a ceiling lamp.
If it s nailed to a joist pry it free with a flat bar.
Inspect the existing junction box to make sure it s rated for ceiling fans.
Cut a 2x4 to this length and attach a new fan rated outlet box to the midpoint using deck screws.
Place the open side of the ceiling junction box that came with an expandable brace kit against the ceiling where you want the box installed.
There should be an inscription on the ceiling fan box to indicate this.
How to install a ceiling fan between joists.
The box is usually metal.
The family handyman editor in chief gary wentz will show you how to remove an old light and install a ceiling fan brace so you can properly install a new c.
With the 2x4 and box assembled hold them between the joists so the outlet box presses against the back of the ceiling.
Make the location between joists not on a joist.
How to install a ceiling fan https youtu be 8ri8hh624mm.
Remove the old electrical box from the ceiling.
How to install a ceiling fan box between joists.
The ends terminate with a circular metal component with spikes that dig into the joists on both ends.
Home ceiling fans need the proper support to be safe for use.
If not replace it with a fan rated junction box and a fan brace between the ceiling joist to help support the fan s weight.
Working in the unfinished attic space above the new fixture location measure the distance between the two nearest ceiling joists.
A brace between the joists strong enough to support a fan.
To hang your fan where there is an existing fixture but no ceiling joist you can install 2x blocking between ceiling joists or alongside a ceiling joist and then mount the fan box to the blocking.