ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable

Electrical Code - Ceiling Fan Boxes

ceiling-fan-electrical-code
Summary: This article explains the Electrical Wiring Code for the Boxes that support Ceiling Fans, also known as Paddle Fans.
© By:

Installing Electrical Wiring Boxes for a Ceiling Fan or Paddle Fan


DIY Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!


Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!


Electrical Codes for Ceiling Fan Support

Ceiling fans weigh more than most ceiling fixtures. Therefore ceiling fans must be supported properly to prevent them from falling.
To properly install a ceiling fan and provide the necessary support there are two methods that must be followed:
An approved fixture box designed to support the weight of the ceiling fan must me installed.

The fixture box must be attached to supported structure components such as wood ceiling joists or wood blocks that are properly fastened between two ceiling joists.

Approved ceiling fixture boxes that have expandable bar hanging devices can be used when installed by following the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Electrical Code

Electrical Boxes for Ceiling Paddle Fan

Where a box is used as the sole support for a ceiling paddle fan, the box must be listed for this purpose and include the weight of the fan.

Ceiling paddle fans not in excess of 35 lb. can be supported directly to an outlet box that is identified for this purpose [422.18(A)].

Ceiling paddle fans exceeding 35 lb. must be supported independently of the outlet box, unless the box is listed to support the weight of the fan [422.18(B)]. Figure 314-5

ceiling-fan-box-code
Image Mike Holt

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
  electrical wiring
 
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

electrical parts

Residential Electrical Parts and Accessories


Light Switches

120volt Outlets

Circuit Breakers

Electrician Tools

Voltage Testers



More about: Electrical Code


Electrical Code and Swimming Pool Light Fixtures
Electrical Code for Bonding Ground Wires
How Do I Correct Ground Wire Electrical Code Violations?
Electrical Code for Garage GFI Outlets and Receptacles
I Changed My Home Wiring Have I Violated Any Electrical Codes?
Electrical Code and Buried UF Cable
NEC Electrical Code for Re-Identifying Ungrounded Conductor
Electrical Code for Replacing a Service Panel