314.27 (d)

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badashuka

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I had a disagreement with an electrical instructor about the max weight a ceiling fan box can hold without being independently supported. As I read art. 314.27 (d) it states as far as I can tell, that if the weight exceeds 70 lbs, it needs to be independently supported. Taking into consideration different boxes have different weight ratings. Please advise me.
 
Understanding the NEC Vol. 2

Understanding the NEC Vol. 2

If you look in Mike Holts book there is an Authors Comment that states:

"Where the maximum weight isn't marked on the box, and the fan weighs over 35 lb, the fan must be supported independently of the outlet box. Ceiling paddle fans over 70lbs must be supported independently of the outlet box."

Maybe you should pick yourself up a copy.:cool:
 
erickench said:
If you look in Mike Holts book there is an Authors Comment that states:

"Where the maximum weight isn't marked on the box, and the fan weighs over 35 lb, the fan must be supported independently of the outlet box. Ceiling paddle fans over 70lbs must be supported independently of the outlet box."

Maybe you should pick yourself up a copy.:cool:
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You are missing fans that weigh between 35 and 70 Lbs.
(
D) 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.
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The way I read this is the fan box must be rated as suitable for fans. If the fan weighs 35 lbs or less no other markings are necessary. If the fan weighs between 35 and 70 lbs then the fan box must be marked with the max. weight to be supported. Over 70Lbs it must be independently supported.

I usually use a standard octagon box with a 2x6 mounted between the joists. I then use 3 inch screws that mount into the wood to hold the bracket. No fan rated box is even necessary.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I usually use a standard octagon box with a 2x6 mounted between the joists. I then use 3 inch screws that mount into the wood to hold the bracket. No fan rated box is even necessary.
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I know that'll work, but does it actually comply? The box still has to be "marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose".

I haven't hung, I don't think any, 70 pound ceiling fans, I'm thinking maybe those two 8-32's might be too small.
 
physis said:
I know that'll work, but does it actually comply? The box still has to be "marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose".

I haven't hung, I don't think any, 70 pound ceiling fans, I'm thinking maybe those two 8-32's might be too small.
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The back plate for CF is screwed to the stud - through the box...the CF is not supported by the box at all.
 
physis said:
I know that'll work, but does it actually comply? The box still has to be "marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose".

I haven't hung, I don't think any, 70 pound ceiling fans, I'm thinking maybe those two 8-32's might be too small.
Click to expand...

As long as the fan is independently supported the box does not need any rating.
 
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