Ceiling fan support.

[BTE]

Hello everyone,
I can not find if it is a Code requirement to install a ceiling fan support box "in any room where it is possible that a ceiling fan could be installed in the future" for new construction. I have looked back to the 1984 code book but could not find any wording regarding this. I always install a fan support box in new construction bedroom, family rooms, dining rooms ect..., but I don't really think it is a requirement.

Looking for a answer.
Thanks, BTE

 

[Volta]

You are right, no such requirement.

 

[jumper]

2011 NEC has this. Bold is new.

314.27(C) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets.
Outlet boxes or outlet box systems used as the sole support
of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be
marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose,
and shall not support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that
weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or outlet box
systems designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans
that weigh more than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall
include the maximum weight to be supported.
Where spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors
are provided to a ceiling mounted outlet box, in a
location acceptable for a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan in
single or multi-family dwellings, the outlet box or outlet
box system shall be listed for sole support of a ceiling suspended
(paddle) fan

 

[Volta]

Oh...

 

[jumper]

Oh...

You are still on '08, so it does not apply to you yet.

 

[dhalleron]

Jumper beat me to it. I was looking it up in 2011 NEC. I remembered being told about that at my last continuing ed class, but I had not read it myself yet.

 

[JES2727]

2011 NEC has this. Bold is new.

314.27(C) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets.
Outlet boxes or outlet box systems used as the sole support
of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be
marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose,
and shall not support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that
weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or outlet box
systems designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans
that weigh more than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall
include the maximum weight to be supported.
Where spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors
are provided to a ceiling mounted outlet box, in a
location acceptable for a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan in
single or multi-family dwellings, the outlet box or outlet
box system shall be listed for sole support of a ceiling suspended
(paddle) fan

But only if you're running spare conductors??
In other words, if you install a 14/3 so they can add a fan in the future with separate fan/light controls, you need to install a fan rated box. But if you install just a two wire so they would have to buy a fan with a remote (in the future), then no fan rated box?
Am I reading that right?

 

[kbsparky]

But only if you're running spare conductors??
In other words, if you install a 14/3 so they can add a fan in the future with separate fan/light controls, you need to install a fan rated box. But if you install just a two wire so they would have to buy a fan with a remote (in the future), then no fan rated box?
Am I reading that right?

Persactly correct.

This is another example of how the Code has gone into design, something which it claims not to do.

 

[jumper]

But only if you're running spare conductors??
In other words, if you install a 14/3 so they can add a fan in the future with separate fan/light controls, you need to install a fan rated box. But if you install just a two wire so they would have to buy a fan with a remote (in the future), then no fan rated box?
Am I reading that right?

That is correct.

Note: a ceiling fan always needs a fan rated box, unless it is supported independently.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That is correct.

Note: a ceiling fan always needs a fan rated box, unless it is supported independently.

Actually if you read 314.27(C) last paragraph there is no exception for independent mounting. I believe this was deliberate because of homeowners coming in after the fact-- they will not know to independently support the fan.

Now if this is a place where a fan is being installed then I agree with your statement.

 

[Volta]

Actually if you read 314.27(C) last paragraph there is no exception for independent mounting. I believe this was deliberate because of homeowners coming in after the fact-- they will not know to independently support the fan.

Now if this is a place where a fan is being installed then I agree with your statement.

Ok guys, I'll start using my 2011. :roll:

No exception if you've installed an additional switch, yes. Otherwise, I don't see any spare ungrounded conductor that is unswitched as triggering this requirement.

Or, I suppose, if I felt like being petty in a debate (and I often do), spare ungrounded switched conductor in a two-family dwelling unit.

 

[Little Bill]

We are not on the 2011 here in Tn. but local codes require fan rated boxes in the ceilings of bedrooms and living rooms and maybe kitchens. Don't have my info handy so I don't know if I got all the rooms right, but basically wherever a fan might be installed.

 

[jumper]

We are not on the 2011 here in Tn. but local codes require fan rated boxes in the ceilings of bedrooms and living rooms and maybe kitchens. Don't have my info handy so I don't know if I got all the rooms right, but basically wherever a fan might be installed.

I have heard of this amendment in other areas also.

 

[jumper]

Actually if you read 314.27(C) last paragraph there is no exception for independent mounting. I believe this was deliberate because of homeowners coming in after the fact-- they will not know to independently support the fan.

Now if this is a place where a fan is being installed then I agree with your statement.

Why I do believe you are right.........darn details.............

This also backs that up.

314.27(A)(2) Ceiling Outlets. At every outlet used exclusively for
lighting, the box shall be designed or installed so that a
luminaire or lampholder may be attached. Boxes shall berequired to
support a luminaire weighing a minimum of 23
kg (50 lb). A luminaire that weighs more than 23 kg (50 lb)
shall be supported independently of the outlet box, unless
the outlet box is listed and marked for the maximum weight
to be supported.