Replacing a ceiling fan...new for old..doesn't sound that complicated. But as I've learned over the years, my home projects seem to instantly become more complicated than if anyone else were doing them. This time it's a question of different methods of hanging the fans. The OLD fan was attached to a hook screwed into the ceiling beam.
The NEW fan attaches to the junction box via a ball and harness setup.
The question: Is the (metal) junction box secured to the beam sufficiently to hold the 20.2 pound weight of the fan?
I'm convinced it is, and am now in the process of connecting the wires. We'll see.
Voila! Seems to be working well, except for some wobble. There are small weights included to eliminate that and I'll play with them some. Maybe, just maybe, I'm getting better at these projects?
Offhand, I'd say, 'no', it's not sturdy enough.
ReplyDeleteWobble is caused from improper/unequal balance.
Imagine a propeller on an airplane with one of 'em 10% lighter in weight, or equal weight with a 2° offset.
Reckon it'd shake?
Well... duh!
If the box is metal, it could be of sufficient strength to support the weight. However, I wouldn't count on it. Even with the newer, plastic models, they're not meant (matter of fact, they've NEVER been designed nor intended to be) weight/load bearing.
A brace between the ceiling joists SHOULD BE installed, from/to/upon which the ceiling fan should be installed/mounted - NOT the junction box!
So... the long and short of it is as I previously concluded.
No.
I wouldn't trust it.
If you are right, I'll be picking up fan (or Tim) pieces. (-:
ReplyDeleteThe box is metal, seems to be quite securly screwed into the beam (5 screws)...I'll let you know!
Tim, some building codes require the installation of a cross-brace to hold the weight of the ceiling fan. I think it a good idea, whether the code requires this or not.
ReplyDeleteI installed a ceiling fan once. Never again. Hours with my arms reaching up, various weird pieces (some of which may not be needed), the aggravation--no thanks. And I was about 20-25 years younger.
It's worth paying an electrician to do this.