Ceiling fan outlet required or not?

[GilbeSpark]

I am suprised this hasnt become a code requirement. How many fans do you think there are out there which are attached to normal boxes?

5/6 fans in my house when I bought it were hung on J-boxes. Now all the ones replaced with the correct braces and boxes have very nice medallions around them because I didn't feel like being neat about removing the old boxes

I've replaced many paddle fans in customer's houses and I'd have to say even on high end houses which are 5-10 years old many are hung on j-boxes as well. Fine by me, I just inform the homeowner that the old box won't properly support a ceiling fan. 9/10 times they say "Well, I definitely want another fan up there, so how much extra will it be to do it right?" Sometimes more work is a good thing

Most of the time when I take the old fan down the screws are just about all the way stripped out in the fiber boxes. No joke, the worst was a fan that was hung on a bar box and the screws in that box were completely stripped out. The only thing holding up the fan was the caulk the homeowner (a painter) put around the canopy. It was probably 1/2'' thick all the way around and then a bunch inside the canopy. I had to cut it deep with a razor knife and then still yank the crap out of it to get it loose.

 

[iwire]

Around here we call those floor joists and plywood. But you can call them a ceiling if you like. The question is, what the inspectors will call them?

I call it a ceiling, and I would like to find an inspector that would not.

What you seem to be thinking of is a 'finished ceiling'.

 

[stickboy1375]

I call it a ceiling, and I would like to find an inspector that would not.

What you seem to be thinking of is a 'finished ceiling'.

I was thinking the same until I looked up the definition of ceiling.


Ceiling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A ceiling is an overhead interior surface that bounds the upper limit of a room. Generally not a structural element, but a finished surface concealing the underside of the floor or roof structure above.


Going by this definition, there is no ceiling unless it's finished.

 

[jrclen]

I call it a ceiling, and I would like to find an inspector that would not.

What you seem to be thinking of is a 'finished ceiling'.

Come to Wisconsin. So far, our inspectors do not call the overhead framing in a garage or basement, or a barn, a ceiling. I was taught those are called framing members. I've been wrong before, but so far, that's how I see it. Jeez why do I feel like I'm doomed when I disagree with you? :grin: :grin:

 

[dlhoule]

Inspectors in Wisconsin

Inspectors in Wisconsin

Originally Posted by iwire
I call it a ceiling, and I would like to find an inspector that would not.

What you seem to be thinking of is a 'finished ceiling'.

Come to Wisconsin. So far, our inspectors do not call the overhead framing in a garage or basement, or a barn, a ceiling. I was taught those are called framing members. I've been wrong before, but so far, that's how I see it. Jeez why do I feel like I'm doomed when I disagree with you? :grin: :grin:

Bob, Wisconsin is a wonderful place to visit!

 

[iwire]

Jeez why do I feel like I'm doomed when I disagree with you? :grin: :grin:

Don't know the answer to that.

Do you know that when the NEC does not define a term that we are to use a standard dictionary definition?

 

[jrclen]

Bob, Wisconsin is a wonderful place to visit!

And I have a great job we could work on together while we discuss code. Upgrade the service from 60 to 200, and then completely rewire a late 1800's era, 2 story, house presently done with K&T. With minimal damage to the lathe and plaster finish. I'll provide room and board at my house, and the beverages of your choice. I'll throw in a warm hat and a pair of warm gloves. :grin:

 

[jrclen]

Don't know the answer to that.

Do you know that when the NEC does not define a term that we are to use a standard dictionary definition?

I didn't know that, but it does make sense. Another book next to the recliner?

 

[Caesars]

Good ideal

 

[LarryFine]

. . . completely rewire a late 1800's era, 2 story, house presently done with K&T. With minimal damage to the lathe and plaster finish.

I grew up on that kind of work. One of the best things about them is the balloon framing. You can drop a chain from attic to basement in any exterior wall, and often the center wall.

When I was around 12, I found a book on eletrical wiring in the school library. A good portion of it was about retro-wiring existing homes. These guys were real craftsmen.

It's fascinating to see how an entire 2-story house was converted to electric lighting by lifting two upstairs-hallway floor boards, removing and replacing baseboards (and installing receptacles in them), hand-boring framing, and fishing wires.

 

[jrclen]

I grew up on that kind of work. One of the best things about them is the balloon framing. You can drop a chain from attic to basement in any exterior wall, and often the center wall.

Wow, I wish. I run into fire stops around the level of the window bottoms in most exterior walls. And walls insulated with marsh grass or even old newspapers. I've added circuits and devices in these old houses but never did a complete rewire of one. I'll get more info and a better look at it on Friday. So far it looks like a T&M job. Myself and 1 helper. And Bob if he comes up. He must be mulling it over. If you don't mind, I will keep you in mind for a few tips and advice.