Ceiling fan outlet required or not?

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smallfish

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An electrical contractor didn't have on hand a two wire NM cable with ground to run from bedroom light switch to ceiling light box so he ran a three wire NM with ground. Because of the use of the three wire cable is it necessary to replace the ceiling light box with a ceiling fan box? (the possibility being that in the future, the homeowner would use the third wire to power a fan.) The walls and ceiling are now just framed.
 
No. The code does require the wiring or equipment to be planned for future use. While the possibility exists that the homeowner will install a ceiling fan at a later date, it is not the responsibility of the current contractor to make provisions for that.

It would be advisable to notifiy the homeowner as to what boxes will be suitable and will not be suitable for fans in the future. This way, the contractor eliminates any possibility of liability.
 
if they ever plan on putting a fan in, why not do it now while its just framed ? it makes no sense to do it later, unless they never plan to put a fan there.
 
Not required, not a bad idea. Although the fan could be lag bolted to the joist later eliminating the need for a fan box ;)
 
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?
 
wireguru said:
I am suprised this hasnt become a code requirement.
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I would argue that there is a Code requirement, not just the one you're thinking of. The Code is a "new construction standard", not a "future possibilities standard".
 
Although I agree that a fan rated box is not required, we use fan boxes at all ceiling lighting outlets in new const. and we run 3-wire to all of them. With the size and complexity of the houses we do these days the additional cost isn't much of a percentage.

If we did tract work I would probably never exceed the plans and NEC requirements.
 
Also check the energy calculations. The builder may have taken eneregy credits for installing ceiling fans in certain locations. This will indicate if a fan is to be installed.
 
bkludecke said:
Although I agree that a fan rated box is not required, we use fan boxes at all ceiling lighting outlets in new const. and we run 3-wire to all of them. With the size and complexity of the houses we do these days the additional cost isn't much of a percentage.

If we did tract work I would probably never exceed the plans and NEC requirements.
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Same here. We pull 3-wire and fan boxes to all brm and living/family room whether it is on the plans or not. The costs are incidental to the brownie points when they come back and ask, "Would it be possible..." That and I think it is good customer care.
 
Or, put up the fan brace, with a 2 wire feed, and then put one fo these in when they want a fan. Not practical, but an option.

MaestroFan.jpg


MIR-LFQTHWwremote2.jpg
 
I almost always install the fan box, 3-wire cable, and 2-gang switch box as a nice little upgrade.

However, inspectors around here require the fan box whether a fan is going to be installed or not. Another phantom code rule. :mad:
 
iwire said:
I thought I heard that in the 2008 fan boxes would be required fan or not? :-?
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I had read that a CF box would be required if a 3 wire was run:
Analysis of Changes, NEC-2008, Part II:
Revision: 314.27(D) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets
A new last sentence adds specific requirements regarding the type of box that must be installed when two or more switched ungrounded conductors (switch legs) are roughed in to the box. The new requirement calls for a box that is listed for sole support of a ceiling-suspended paddle fan. This requirement applies to all occupancy types as it is currently worded. This affects the rough-in stages of all electrical installations where ceiling-mounted outlet boxes are installed and more than one switch leg is provided to the outlet. It is commonly understood that in many residential occupancies and some commercial occupancies, luminaires are sometimes replaced by a ceiling-suspended paddle fan at some time after the initial installation, but rarely are the proper listed boxes installed to accommodate the fan support requirements in the NEC. This new requirement takes a proactive approach through a rule that should help reduce the number of ceiling-suspended paddle fan installations that would be supported solely by boxes that are not designed or suitable for providing adequate support (see figure 5).
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johnston_fig5.gif

Figure 5



...but I don't see that requirement in the '08 at 314.27(D)???

Maybe it's in 410?
 
Here is a new change to the 2008 NEC.

All ceiling mounted boxes for the connection of luminaires must be designed to support a minimum of a 50 pound luminaire.

314.27 Outlet Boxes.
(A) Boxes at Luminaire Outlets. Boxes used at luminaire or lampholder outlets in a ceiling shall be designed for the purpose and shall be required to support a luminaire weighing a minimum of 23 kg (50 lb). Boxes used at luminaire or lampholder outlets in a wall shall be designed for the purpose and shall be marked on the interior to indicate the maximum weight of the luminaire that is permitted to be supported by the box in the wall, if other than 23 kg (50 lb). At every outlet used exclusively for lighting, the box shall be designed or installed so that a luminaire may be attached.
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Chris
 
So does anyone consider the new code rule a design issue, or a legitimate safety issue?

We've all seen or heard about fans that have fallen because they were installed by a hack who didn't use the correct box or secure the fan directly to the structure. But an electrician knows how to hang a ceiling fan correctly. Is this another code rule for the unqualified?
 
stickboy1375 said:
IMO this code is uncalled for... so in an attic I need a box being able to support 50lb's? thats some keyless fixture...
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Thats a good point.

Attic, crawls, basements, garages.:roll:
 
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