Ceiling fan in drop ceiling (t-bar)? Residential

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sw_ross

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Tried to do a search, but couldn't come up with the results I was looking for...

Have a new construction basement that the HO wants ceiling fans in the 2 bedrooms. It's going to be a drop ceiling.

I'm trying to visualize a fan box support...
Do I build a wooden support, maybe a tri-pod setup, down from structural joists above?
Or somehow use some t-bar spanner's to stabilize the box, and then maybe have some all-thread that comes down from the joists to carry the weight of ceiling fan?

What have you commonly done in this scenario?
Thanks!
 
sw_ross said:
Tried to do a search, but couldn't come up with the results I was looking for...

Have a new construction basement that the HO wants ceiling fans in the 2 bedrooms. It's going to be a drop ceiling.

I'm trying to visualize a fan box support...
Do I build a wooden support, maybe a tri-pod setup, down from structural joists above?
Or somehow use some t-bar spanner's to stabilize the box, and then maybe have some all-thread that comes down from the joists to carry the weight of ceiling fan?

What have you commonly done in this scenario?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I use an approved t bar / ceiling fan box with 3/8" threaded rod secured to wood framing.

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If not using a listed support kit, cut a piece of plywood same size as ceiling tile - it ends up laying directly on top of tile, any thickness is acceptable - it's only purpose is to stabilize the whole thing from twisting action. Then cut yourself a 2x4 or 2x6 and secure it to the piece of plywood, centered over outlet box hole. Use any fan box you would use in wood frame construction and attach it to the 2x4/2x6. May need to notch the 2x4 to get the box flush with finish ceiling. Support the weight with support wires from the 2x4 to the structural ceiling.
 
Thanks for feedback!

Thanks for feedback!

I'll check with supply house about approved setup.
I'll keep the wood option as a backup idea.

Thanks!
 
kwired said:
If not using a listed support kit, cut a piece of plywood same size as ceiling tile - it ends up laying directly on top of tile, any thickness is acceptable - it's only purpose is to stabilize the whole thing from twisting action. Then cut yourself a 2x4 or 2x6 and secure it to the piece of plywood, centered over outlet box hole. Use any fan box you would use in wood frame construction and attach it to the 2x4/2x6. May need to notch the 2x4 to get the box flush with finish ceiling. Support the weight with support wires from the 2x4 to the structural ceiling.
Click to expand...
I like the plywood idea for stabilty. I usually use 2 threaded rods but still have some movement and occasionally have ceiling tile damage. Next time I might try a piece of plywood.

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Reiker fan box company has a set-up just for this.
look them up. It consists of a piece of square stock that mounts across two joists then has another adjustable piece that extends down to a fan box on the bottom
 
A Raco 931 looks to be neat, I may have to try this one myself. Most other ways usually take some tweeking.
 
I've done it a few different ways, a couple that I use are...

1.) Take 2x4s and make 3 pieces. Two of them go vertical on the inside of the joists. The third one goes horizontal and screws into the two vertical pieces. Working from another section next to the one the fan is going on, find the center of the tile and mark & cut out for the box. Attach the box to the horizontal 2x4, place the tile back in the grid, now move the 2x4 supports between the joists and adjust up or down until the box is flush with the tile. Then screw the vertical supports into the sides of the joists. Install fan as usual.

2.) Arlington makes a fan kit for dropped ceilings. It spans the grid and sits/snaps into the grid. It also comes with a box attached to a bar that spans the grid and is adjustable. There is a chain that comes with it to support the whole thing from the structured ceiling. This is a good kit but kind of expensive. Looks nice though when installed.
 
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